We work in a field where information is key. If a mistake is made on a job site, we often find ourselves trying to uncover the process, so we can correct our action and then create a path forward so we never repeat it. This involves asking a lot of questions.
I recently read an article on how to avoid intimidating questions, the ones that can feel patronizing and immediately put the person on the receiving end on the defensive. An example she gave follows:
“A simple shift from, ‘Why did you do that?’ to, ‘Can you walk me through your thought process?’ changes the entire tone of the conversation. It signals that you’re genuinely interested in understanding their reasoning, rather than criticizing their actions.”
This resonated with me. Pausing and thinking through the way I ask questions might actually get me to the answer more quickly. In the process, it could preserve the morale of the person I’m talking to, creating a real learning opportunity. Simply stated, asking the right questions in the right way can be a pathway to successes and growth.
