You need to know how to ask good questions in order to have good listening skills. Most leaders and professionals need to put some effort into cultivating the skill of asking good questions that build effective work relationships.

Here are 4 tips on how to ask good questions:

1. Facilitate the other person’s creativity with good questions. For example, ask, “How is your approach novel?” Or, “How will your approach improve things?” Help them to move forward with their ideas at their own pace in their own direction. Later, if necessary, you may seek to influence their ideas. But first just encourage them to express themselves fully and be creative.

2. Reach for their passion. For example, ask, “What interests you about this?” You cannot dictate passion. You have to help others find their own and “own it. This encourages their engagement and commitment.

3. Likewise, seek to learn their values. For example, ask, “What is important to you in this situation?” Learn this and you can connect with them in a solid way by supporting their values. Helping them get clear about what matters to them will help them become more committed and resourceful.

4. Be a sounding board. Just summarize what they have said and ask, “Did I get it right?” This question can be very helpful in complex conversations. You find out if you missed something. And you encourage them to clarify their thinking.

These types of questions followed by good listening pay off. If you want to be effective in your leadership or professional situations, learn how to ask good questions.

Listening skills is a full Module of my
Self-Study Program, and my Virtual Workshop Series,
Leadership Communication™. My individual and group executive coaching enhance listening skills for better performance. Please see my home page, EagleAlliance.com