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.
Asking questions can improve information exchange and interpersonal connections in business.
Questions that assume truthfulness and use pessimistic tones can lead to more honest responses and information disclosure.
Deep dives
Importance of Asking Questions in Business
Asking questions in business leads to abundant benefits, including information exchange, increased interpersonal liking, and enhanced persuasion. The value of questioning is underestimated, and people often fail to realize its power in fostering positive relationships and achieving communication goals.
Effective Questioning Strategies in Different Scenarios
In situations where someone may be inclined to lie, asking questions that presuppose the truth can be more effective. Pessimistic assumptions in questions make it easier for individuals to disclose sensitive information. The type of question, whether open-ended or closed, depends on the communication goals and context, with follow-up questions being highly effective in eliciting information and demonstrating empathy.
Navigating Question Dynamics in Groups and One-on-One Interactions
In group settings, conversational dynamics and question-asking norms vary based on factors like gender, age, and status. Breaking norms, asking diverse questions, and encouraging participation from all members can lead to more engaging discussions. Preparation for anticipating challenging questions and responding tactfully, including using humor or admitting lack of knowledge, is essential in both professional and personal interactions.
Leslie K. John and Alison Wood Brooks, professors at Harvard Business School, say people in business can be more successful by asking more and better questions. They talk through what makes for a great question, whether you’re looking to get information or get someone to like you. They’re the coauthors of the article, “The Surprising Power of Questions,” in the May–June 2018 issue of Harvard Business Review.
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