Asking the right question is, more often than not, harder than answering the right question. ❓
We deal with questions and answers in our everyday lives.
You might need to ask for clarification on things included in a report from a peer at work.
You might need to ask why an engineer chooses to tackle a problem in a certain way.
But asking questions might not necessarily lead you to the answer you desire or a solution to a problem you need to solve.
Well, in some situations, asking the wrong question might get you in trouble. You’re not only wasting your time but also your peer’s, supervisor’s, and client’s time. And that’s not good.
❌ Asking questions too early, without trying to find other possible alternative solutions, isn’t good. I might consider you too lazy to do small research by yourself.
❌ Asking a bad question, one that is not related to the discussion’s subject, for example, will make me doubt your ability to focus.
So, how do you build the habit of asking the right question?
Training. You might not need to find the ‘rightest’ question, though.
Start by asking better questions; that can help shape the answer you’re looking for.
It’s just like optimisation.
You keep iterating your logical thinking skills by learning how to ask the right question.
Once it becomes a habit, you’ll reap the benefits.
💡 More effective communication with other people.
🎯 Faster decision-making and getting results on things you do
Footnote: a random question from my daughter last night.
Daughter: What’s always in front of you, but you cannot see it? Except air.
Me: … Nose? Eyelashes? Germs?
D: Wrong. It’s the future.
Me: … 🤣
Originally posted on my LinkedIn
Leave a Reply