The Power of Asking Questions at Work

Asking questions is a fundamental aspect of human understanding and communication. It serves various critical functions which contribute to personal growth, intellectual development and societal advancement. However, as children, we may have been cautioned by parents about asking too many questions – as a parent we may have admonished our children regarding asking questions which may seem as if prying into or encroaching upon another’s life.

On the other hand, when it comes to asking questions at work they can help clarify job roles, improve task understanding; even enhance teamwork. And when it comes to asking for feedback, for example, asking questions can help employees not only improve performance but align with organizational goals.

Asking questions can also help us identify gaps in our understanding, to ensure we're on the right track to finding solutions. And, bottom line, questions can also:

• Foster meaningful conversations
• Build trust
• Strengthen relationships

In fact, according to Fred Halstead of the American Management Association “For a manager or team leader, telling people what to do is almost always easier than asking questions. Yet, being skillful at asking great questions can be of tremendous benefit to you and your company”.

While it might seem simple, asking questions is one of the most crucial skills in life.

8 Key Values of Asking Questions at Work: 

1. They Promote Learning and Understanding

Asking questions helps you acquire new information, clarify any doubts you may have and deepen understanding of a topic or subject. It's considered a critical thinking skill – allowing you to evaluate information more thoroughly.

• They can activate prior knowledge: When a question is posed, it triggers your brain to search for relevant information you already possess. This activates existing knowledge networks and helps you connect new information to what you already know, making it more relatable and easier to remember.
• Questions spark curiosity and focus attention: A well-crafted question ignites curiosity and narrows focus – directing your attention to specific aspects of a topic, prompting you to delve deeper and seek answers. This focused exploration leads to a more thorough understanding.
• They challenge your assumptions and promote critical thinking: Questions can expose gaps in your knowledge or challenge existing assumptions you may hold. By asking "Why?" or "How do we know that?" you're forced to critically evaluate information and consider alternative perspectives. This critical thinking is essential for forming a solid understanding of the topic at hand.
• Questions encourage active learning: They transform you from a passive recipient of information into an active participant in the learning process. As you research answers, analyze information and form your own conclusions, you're actively constructing knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding.
• Questions help you identify areas for further exploration: The process of questioning can often lead to more questions. And that said, unanswered questions highlight areas where your understanding is incomplete and can motivate you to seek out more information and refine your knowledge.

 2. Questions Stimulate Curiosity and Creativity

Questions often stem from a sense of curiosity – a driving force behind innovation and discovery. By asking questions you can further explore alternatives and develop creative solutions to problems.

That said, we often believe we inform others by telling them something. However, the lasting impact is usually greater when we ask questions. Great questions can reveal aspects of an issue which may not have been previously considered. They guide others to develop their own thinking more clearly and effectively, allowing them to inform themselves.

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• Questions can boost learning and growth: By asking "How is this done?" or "Can you explain the reasoning behind this decision?", you gain knowledge, improve your skills, and expand your understanding of the work at hand. This continuous learning positions you for growth and can make you a more valuable asset to your team.
• They help improve problem-solving: Effective problem-solving often starts with the right questions. Asking "What have we tried in the past?" or "What are the potential roadblocks?" helps analyze the situation thoroughly and identify creative solutions.
• Can help strengthen relationships and build trust: Asking thoughtful questions about someone's work shows genuine interest and a desire to learn from their expertise. Not only fostering collaboration but strengthening relationships with colleagues which helps build trust within the team.
• Questions can also enhance innovation: The status quo can become stale. Questions like "Is there a better way to do this?" or "What if we...?" spark creativity and can lead to groundbreaking solutions and innovative ideas which benefit the entire company.
• Help demonstrate initiative and engagement: Curiosity and a willingness to ask questions show you're not just going through the motions - they help demonstrate initiative, a desire to understand your role better and a genuine interest in the company's success.

 3. Facilitate Communication and Relationships

Questions are essential for effective communication, helping ensure information is accurately conveyed and understood. They can also help develop relationships and foster deeper connections by showing interest and appreciation in others' perspectives and experiences.

4 Reasons to Ask Questions at Work:

1. To acquire knowledge.
2. To eliminate confusion.
3. To help others feel valued.
4. To steer a conversation in the desired direction.

4. Our Questions Can Empower Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

Asking good questions can lead to better-informed decisions by uncovering crucial details and perspectives. They can aid in helping identify root causes of problems and encouraging you to explore potential solutions.     

Indeed.com - “The ability to ask great questions is an important tool in today's workforce. Whether you're a supervisor or a new employee, asking questions is a great way to find value within an organization, improve your work and improve your team's perfor-mance. Understanding the techniques behind asking great questions can benefit your skills as a leader, improve your overall industry knowledge and help you gain the respect of your fellow employees."

5. Questions Can Encourage Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

Asking oneself questions is a powerful tool for self-reflection. They can help you gain insights into your thoughts, behaviors and motivations. Not only that, asking yourself questions can lead to greater self-awareness and personal development.    

• Asking oneself questions is a powerful tool for self-reflection: They can also help you gain insights into your thoughts, behaviors and motivations. Not only that, asking yourself questions can lead to greater self-awareness.  

• They prompt introspection: Asking yourself questions can lead to personal development. They can help you gain insights into your thoughts, behaviors and motivations. Daily life can put us on autopilot. Questions nudge us to pause and consider our experiences. "What made me happy today?" or "Why did I react that way?" can spark deeper exploration.
• We often hold unconscious beliefs: Questions like "What am I afraid of?" or "Am I living according to my values?" can challenge these assumptions and lead to new discoveries or into new, better directions.
• They help Identify patterns: By reflecting on recurring situations or emotions, you can see patterns. "What situations make me anxious?" or "What kind of people do I gravitate toward?" can reveal underlying aspects of yourself.

6. Questions can Drive Scientific and Technological Advancement

When it comes to science, asking questions is the starting point for forming hypotheses, conducting experiments and making discoveries. In technology and innovation, questioning current limitations encourages you to imagine new possibilities which can lead to advancements.

7. Questions Challenge the Status Quo and Promote Change

By questioning social norms and policies, individuals and groups can advocate for social justice and reform.  In organizations – or work scenarios – the questioning processes and strategies for questioning can lead to continuous improvement and innovation.

• They also expose our hidden assumptions – the status quo often thrives on unquestioned beliefs. By asking "Why do we do things this way?" or "Has this approach always been the most effective?" we challenge underlying logic and open the door to considering alternatives.
• Questions spark critical thinking: When faced with a question like "Are there any downsides to this current process?" we are forced to analyze the situation more objectively. This critical thinking can reveal flaws or inefficiencies which might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
• Questions can shift perspectives: Asking "How would someone else approach this problem?" broadens our understanding and can expose biases and lead to more inclusive or equitable solutions which benefit a wider range of people.

Goldie Chan, Sr. Contributor – Forbes “The power of asking questions in both your work and personal life cannot be understated and impacts almost every area of our lives and our careers”.

8. Questions Help You Navigate Uncertainty and Complexity

In complex and uncertain situations, asking questions helps to navigate ambiguity and make sense of intricate issues. Also - questions can support strategic thinking by exploring various scenarios and considering multiple factors.

In short - questions help us illuminate uncertainties and navigate toward more confident understanding.

For example:

• To gather information: They help us elicit information we don't currently possess. By asking "What are the possible causes of this problem?" or "What factors should I consider before making this decision?", we gather the knowledge needed to make informed choices and reduce the unknowns.
• Clarify assumptions: Many uncertainties stem from unclear or unchallenged assumptions. Questions like "What if this turns out to be wrong?" or "Are there any alternative explanations?" help you identify and scrutinize these assumptions, leading to a more nuanced, realistic understanding of the situation.
• Identify potential problems: Proactive questioning, like "What are the potential risks involved?" or "What could go wrong with this plan?", helps us anticipate unforeseen issues – which reduce the chances of being caught off guard by unexpected scenarios.
• Develop contingency plans: By asking "What will I do if this happens?" -  we can formulate backup plans for various scenarios. This preparedness reduces any anxiety associated with uncertainty and allows us to react calmly and effectively to unforeseen circumstances.

 In short -

The value of asking questions lies in its ability to foster learning, creativity, effective communication, informed decision-making, self-awareness, scientific progress and social change. It’s a crucial skill which benefits individuals, and society as a whole, by promoting continuous inquiry and growth. 

Also - asking questions helps build relationships with your colleagues and superiors. It demonstrates your interest in their work and your willingness to learn from them. This can lead to increased collaboration and more opportunities to work together in the future.