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HBR IdeaCast

Best of IdeaCast: To Build Stronger Teams, Ask Better Questions

Dec 24, 2024
Leslie K. John and Alison Wood Brooks, both professors at Harvard Business School and co-authors of "The Surprising Power of Questions," explore how effective questioning can transform workplace communication. They discuss techniques for asking better questions to strengthen trust and collaboration within teams. Listeners will learn about the impact of open-ended versus closed questions, the art of navigating mixed goals in conversations, and the role of active listening in fostering deeper connections. It's a masterclass on leveraging questions for success!
22:31

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Thoughtful questioning builds trust and enhances persuasion by fostering genuine interest and empathy between individuals in organizations.
  • Utilizing specific questioning strategies, such as open-ended or negatively framed questions, can significantly improve the quality of work conversations and outcomes.

Deep dives

The Power of Asking Questions

Asking questions in business has numerous benefits that many people overlook. It facilitates the exchange of information and fosters interpersonal connections, as it shows genuine interest and promotes empathy between individuals. Notably, research indicates that asking questions can enhance persuasion, as understanding the other person's perspective allows for tailored responses to their needs. Despite these advantages, individuals often fail to recognize the positive impact that thoughtful questioning can have on their interactions.

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