The Right Questions

In my blog, ‘Signs of a Successful Entrepreneur‘, I mentioned on asking the right questions. Let me take this opportunity to elaborate on this, based the enquiries I have received over this subject, with heartfelt thanks! The following are the examples to the questions that you should put forward, depending to the situation that you are in. Review these examples, as it will be a useful tool for your daily use.

Don’t Beat Around The Bush. Be Specific
This is when you go around talking about everything else except the questions that you really want to ask. You basically want to avoid heading straight to the questions, but towards the end of the conversation, you still have not achieved your objective. Now, to avoid this, I advise you to firstly write down your specific questions. Then, approach the person you wish to ask and say, “ Can I take a moment of your time? I have three specific questions I need clarification and you are the right person I believe will be able to help me. ”

Blunt Approach May Hit The Wall
Some people just ask a question in anticipation for an answer that they wish to hear. I do not recommend this approach as it is not asking a question, but giving an opinion instead. What you should do, is to ask a question that will give the person an option. For example, “ What would be a better approach to this circumstance? Shall we have a formal discussion with the client or shall we ask our legal department to approach them instead? ”.

Feedback-Approach Questions
Another approach is to give a feedback or suggestion with a question. It also provides a sense of humble approach to a strong forward decision that you plan to undertake. For example, “ I strongly feel that we should go with the marketing plan proposed by them, but I would really like to hear your opinion on this. Shall we go with the plan or am I missing something here? ”

Do Not Tank People, If You Want A Consensus
Have you seen how tanks are able to bulldoze nearly everything in its line of sight? Are you someone who just forces others to say yes to your questions? Then, skip reading this, as you do not want to listen and share the opinions of others. Decision makers can go overboard sometimes because of this attitude, tanking around, shooting everyone at sight!

Open-Ended Questions
There are pitfalls when the method of asking open-ended consensus questions. When you are more specific with the questions and towards the end, offering written constructive suggestions, then it will become easier to get a better answer.

Unrelated Analogy Questions
Analogy can be painful, you understand, right? You are asking a question with the intent of comparing one thing to another, but both of them are not related at all. How do you expect the person to answer, when your questions are unrelated? If you intend to explain an existing problem, keep it short and simple, if possible. Let the person ask you the questions, that they wish to further clarify, so that they can come to a better conclusion.

Entrapment, Traps You
Some people like to ask questions they feel can entrap the person to answer, as they may have no other choice. If they are backed against a wall, they may avoid answering and in return, will not have a good opinion on you. If you have an issue, and want an honest answer, then frame the question appropriately. For example, “ My friend, it has been bugging me for a while and it may be uncomfortable for you to answer this question. So, you are most welcome to tap out and I would not hold it against you ”

Note Taker
These are the people I enjoy meeting actually. They take notes, write down the specific questions they wish to ask. It becomes easier for me as well, as when they are specific, it also means they are able to grasp the subject matter that is presented by them.

Open Arm Approach, Don’t Bungee
Questions, when asked in a friendlier manner may get a friendlier answer as well. Circumstances may vary whenever you are at a point of which, questions may be triggered in your thoughts. So, take a deep breath first, count to 5 or 10, compose yourself and think! Your questions will need clarification, but if you do it wrong, you will not get any reply. Taking time to ask a question has always proven its efficacy.

Be Thankful
Last but not least, just do not forget to say, “ Thank You! ” even if your questions are not answered. Do not sound sarcastic, but genuinely feel that you have better clarifications to the questions that you have put forward. You can always ask similar questions to someone else, of whom you also want a second opinion. After all, you are going to conclude from the answers received. So, work on it!

Summary
Life has its own way to approach your daily living. When you learn to harmonize with your surroundings, you will also be able to entertain the questions with an open mind. Remember that you also have the right to say NO, if you do not wish to answer any questions that you feel uncomfortable to reply.