Why Ask Questions? - an Introduction
This might be a rather obvious question however, with us humans having a desire to show others what we know and can do, I feel that asking questions is an art that we need to put more in the forefront of our communications.
Check out the AUDIO, 5.08 minutes.
How often has the following happened to you:
• Someone has completed your sentence for you, usually going on a completely different tangent from the one you were on, and misinterpreting what you are saying
• When you are explaining something to someone and it’s obvious they had no idea what do to, hardly have you finished re-explaining when they say: “I know”, or “I know, that’s what I told them”, or “I know, that’s what I did” – the result proves otherwise
• You tell someone something and, on principle, they have to say the opposite, even if it’s blatantly obvious they haven’t a clue
You know what I mean, don’t you?
IN the next few postings on “Why ask Questions?” I’m going to list 12 reasons why asking questions is important.
Some of you will obviously use questioning techniques more than others of you, but it’s still a good idea to be reminded of the power of questions.
Socrates used the techniques of questioning as the prime method of teaching his students.
He would dialogue with his students in order to investigate possibilities.
Today we call this method of teaching The Socratic Method.
Our legal system uses this method in cross-examination.
Because people don’t use this method, there are actual corporate in-service training programs to teach people these skills.
I know. I conduct such a course in Brisbane.
It is far more effective than trying to shovel information into another person’s head.
The recipient doesn’t take ownership of that information as it’s given to him in another person’s preferred communication and learning style.
If, however, that same recipient is asked a question, and comes up with an answer, he takes ownership of that content, and expresses it in words that are part of who he is.
It may not be what the questioner was looking for, but that’s what more questions are for.
Now, I can hear you saying: “I don’t have time for all that; we’re on a deadline.”
Interesting comment.
So the potential loss of reputation or significant money due to someone not understanding what is required of them is insignificant.
When someone comes to their own informed conclusions, it is called inductive learning.
Inductive learning is the most effective way to learn for understanding and retention. It makes you:
• Think
• Stretches your brain muscles to increase the synaptic connections
• Makes you feel good about yourself when you come up with a praise-worthy conclusion and doable solution
• Empowers you to want to be more learning-focused
• Encourages you to do research
• Empowers you to want to do more research
• Increases your knowledge base
• Adds to you skill portfolio
Why Ask Questions – Part 1 will start with the 12 reasons why questioning techniques will empower you and make you someone to benchmark.
Hi Gloria,
thanks a lot for sharing much insights of personal development here.
Please let me add few more points about asking that I have thought of…
Asking has much benefits:
First, it shows that we are teachable, looking forward to learn things and open-minded,
Second, is that asking shows our interest to others, it will boost the self-esteem of others, it’s a way to look forward to people’s strength in whatever they do.
Third, it’s a way to influence people, i’m an introvert and finding it hard to influence people, but one conversation with a lady that I met in a business seminar has impacted me. I asked her how to influence people, and she answered me back about asking…. that’s what will make people think, and hence they are more open to the benefit we are bringing to them.
I got another article about asking as well here
Leadership: Habit of Asking
Hope you find it interesting.
Great post, Gloria!
Robert
[…] get right into why asking questions is so important, and starting with an obvious […]
Hello Robert,
Thanks you for your kind words and for your insightful comments.
It was with pleasure I checked out your blog, and have subscribed to your feed.
I also enjoyed reading your artilcle on leadership and have left a comment to that effect with some of my thoughts.
All the best,
Gloria
[…] This is the final part of “Why ask Questions?” […]
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