Next level advice! - Always consider the "question behind the question”.
I have found that taking a quick pause before answering gives me a chance to gather my thoughts and decide what approach to take.
Earlier in my career, my instinct was to answer as fast as possible to show I was on top of it. Taking a moment to consider the question behind the question was something I had to learn and practice. Not an easy skill but important to learn.
Another framework that I've found helpful to get to the QBQ is the 'Five Why Framework' - asking someone (or yourself) 'why' five times to actually get to the core.
Amazing point, Wes. I’m familiar with the question QBQ and I’ve practicing a lot. However reading especially this part “Your question-asker might not know why they feel skeptical, so you're trying to hit a moving target”, made me realize that I too often take for granted that people know and have clear what they want to ask. Which is rarely the case. This will definitely help me not get stuck in never-ending back-and-forth as I often do, moved by my goodwill.
Love this! I’ve done talks about the importance of asking “why” to uncover the underlying motivations... but based on your article, maybe I should update it to “what”!
Adding onto your "probing for more information " section.
There's a book I read a while ago called "Talk to Me" by Dean Nelson, a Boston Globe journalist. In the book he provides advice on how journalists interview, ask questions, and do research.
The only problem I find (personally) is to say "Great question" without thinking. I would say it only if I think it is a question deserving to be in a top tier class of questions. I know it is a problem (for me, specially in North America), but on the other hand, being always honest brings you a lot of positive value back: e.g. people don't try to think if there is a hidden intention in our speaking (same problem also attacked by this strategy of thinking on the question behind the question).
Next level advice! - Always consider the "question behind the question”.
I have found that taking a quick pause before answering gives me a chance to gather my thoughts and decide what approach to take.
Earlier in my career, my instinct was to answer as fast as possible to show I was on top of it. Taking a moment to consider the question behind the question was something I had to learn and practice. Not an easy skill but important to learn.
Great post!
+1 to a pause to gather your thoughts and see how you want to answer. It can make all the difference. Thanks Josh!
Definitely know that feeling. Early on, you feel urged to answer as soon as possible.
Or worse, think you need to have the answer to each question.
I've slowly shifted towards telling people "I don't know but I can find out" if they ask questions I don't know the answer to.
That's another good one. Much better to come back with the right answer then to put something out there that is incorrect.
Another framework that I've found helpful to get to the QBQ is the 'Five Why Framework' - asking someone (or yourself) 'why' five times to actually get to the core.
Amazing point, Wes. I’m familiar with the question QBQ and I’ve practicing a lot. However reading especially this part “Your question-asker might not know why they feel skeptical, so you're trying to hit a moving target”, made me realize that I too often take for granted that people know and have clear what they want to ask. Which is rarely the case. This will definitely help me not get stuck in never-ending back-and-forth as I often do, moved by my goodwill.
Love to hear this, Concetta. Thanks for sharing your aha moment from the essay!
Love this! I’ve done talks about the importance of asking “why” to uncover the underlying motivations... but based on your article, maybe I should update it to “what”!
Wow. What a great advice.
Awesome advice Wes!
Adding onto your "probing for more information " section.
There's a book I read a while ago called "Talk to Me" by Dean Nelson, a Boston Globe journalist. In the book he provides advice on how journalists interview, ask questions, and do research.
A great book for anyone to checkout.
Ooh I definitely want to check this out. Added to my book list, thanks Mohammad
Wes, I had to stop myself from finishing the book in 1 day.
It's so well written and engaging.
Great advice - especially for reporting status to management!
The only problem I find (personally) is to say "Great question" without thinking. I would say it only if I think it is a question deserving to be in a top tier class of questions. I know it is a problem (for me, specially in North America), but on the other hand, being always honest brings you a lot of positive value back: e.g. people don't try to think if there is a hidden intention in our speaking (same problem also attacked by this strategy of thinking on the question behind the question).
Great article BTW 😁