“Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” This quote by Tony Robbins is as relevant today as it was when he first spoke those words.
“Question” comes from the Latin word “Quest”. Questions serve as your guide on your journey to better understand situations and your life.
Asking questions at the workplace:
> is one of the most underutilized and powerful professional tools
> allows you to enhance your knowledge, get more facts and gain clarity
> can open your mind and company to potential improvements and even the next big idea
In a previous article, we had shared the benefits of asking the ‘Who, What, Why, When, Where and How’ – to understand the context you need to better resolve an issue.
Here are some instant benefits of asking questions in the workplace:
#1 Learn more
In the workplace, questions demonstrate that you’re open to change and willing to learn.
You gain confidence with the new information on how things are working and how you can do better. Many of your colleagues and managers will not only be glad to answer your questions, they can even give tips and share how things worked for them.
#2 Produce more
Asking questions helps create new patterns in our brains to access details and process more information. This process is very helpful, especially in a workplace where complex tasks should be accomplished. Performing with the correct answers can also boost your motivation and confidence.
#3 Acquire better answers
Though we may acknowledge that there are a lot of things that we need to know, sometimes doubts can overcome the strength to ask questions to get answers. Asking questions allows the brain to come up with better solutions. The better the data from the answers we get, the better the decisions we make.
#4 Gain confidence
When our minds become more flexible with the new information, we become more perceptive individuals. Wiser decisions lead to us becoming more responsible individuals. When you ask questions you let people know that you are interested and confident enough to show that you have a healthy curiosity to learn and grow.
#5 Improve the quality of life
Questions are essential resources that can ignite your thinking process. When you get the answers to why you should be making an important decision, or what should be the best solution to solve an issue, you are actually doing something crucial to improve your life.
Here are some questions that can demonstrate you’re open to change and willing to learn.
- How is the industry changing, how is my job changing? and how can I do it better?
- Why are these certain procedures and practices in place?
- What are you reading that I can read?
- How can I add value like you do?
- What would you do in my position?
- What’s the one thing that, if I did it differently, would make a difference to the team?
In summary:
You can unlock and open doors that otherwise remain closed with the right questions. But remember, you only get answers to the questions you ask. And make sure you use open-ended questions. Open-ended questions don’t have simple yes or no answers but allow conversations and problem-solving to build and grow. So go ahead, pick up the phone, write an email, or meet someone face-to-face and SIMPLY ASK!
