Page 102 - FLL Virtual Binder 2018

The Art of Asking Questions
A sensei uses the Socratic method of teaching, ie. rather than a ‘push system’ of telling the student, a sensei uses a ‘pull system’, drawing the answer or learning from the student through the art of questioning. A person will be more committed to an action or idea if he has gone through the thought process himself.
Asking questions effectively is one of the most important skills for a coach to:
• Engage the team member in the discussion.
• Clarify feelings, thoughts or concerns.
• Guide rather than lead the discussion.
• Ensure 2-way dialogue.
• Develop thinking and decision making skills.
• Enhance motivation, understanding, and commitment.
Asking Questions – The How to
1. Setthestage.Askgeneralorbroadbasequestionstoensurethetopic,
time and people are right for the purpose.
2. Explore.Askopenquestionstogetthepersontalkingandgainquality information.
3. Understand.Seekadditionalinformationusingprobingquestionsand confirm understanding with clarifying questions.
4. Reachagreement.Askclosedquestionsornarrowingquestionsto confirm understanding and gain commitment.
Types of Questions
Closed questions
“Asking the right questions takes as much skill as
giving the right answers.
Robert Half
• Can be answered by yes, no or another short answer
• Eg. “Have you met your production targets?”
• Useful for verifying your initial thoughts or your understanding of the
individual’s issues or confirming commitment
Open questions
• Encourage team members to expand upon facts and feelings Front Line Leadership Module: Dealing with Differences
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