Women at Work The Essentials: Asking Purposeful Questions
37 snips
Mar 24, 2025 
Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of TALK, shares insights on the power of purposeful questioning in the workplace. She emphasizes that strategic questions can enhance your executive presence and showcase leadership potential. The discussion also touches on the nuances of communication, especially for women and introverts, and how open-ended inquiries promote engagement. Additionally, Brooks provides tips on navigating virtual dialogue, making the art of questioning a vital tool for professional advancement.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Successful Q&A
- Megan successfully asked impactful questions at a department summit.
- She received applause and positive feedback from senior leaders, validating her approach.
Flop Q&A
- In another meeting, Megan asked an open-ended question that fell flat.
- The chief of staff's reaction made Megan realize her question lacked specificity.
Group vs. One-on-One
- Group conversations differ significantly from one-on-one discussions, impacting question dynamics.
- Group size increases coordination challenges, shame risks, and power imbalances.
