HBR IdeaCast Ask Better Questions
May 29, 2018
Professors Leslie K. John and Alison Wood Brooks from Harvard Business School discuss the power of asking great questions in business. They cover topics such as the significance of follow-up questions, balancing cooperation and competition, navigating tough questions, and the importance of active listening in improving communication skills.
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Benefits of Asking Questions
- Asking questions unlocks many benefits in business, like information exchange and increased liking.
- Most people underestimate these benefits and don't ask enough questions.
Pessimistic Presuppositions
- In situations where someone might lie, use pessimistic presuppositions.
- This makes it easier for them to admit the truth by simply confirming your assumption.
Open vs. Closed Questions
- Use open-ended questions for interviews and brainstorming to explore interests.
- In competitive situations, pointed, closed questions can be more effective for uncovering the truth.