If you can ask the right questions at work, then you can quickly improve processes and ultimately, boost your bottom line. The key is making sure, as a leader, you’re fully engaging your team.
Otherwise, you may only receive lukewarm responses about potential improvements to your business. Find out the simple shift that can change the game in the latest episode of our ongoing productivity at work series.
What Productivity Questions Does This Video Answer?
- How can I improve my business?
- What’s a smart way to ask questions to my employees?
- How can the right questions boost the bottom line?
Video Transcript for Ask the Right Questions at Work
When it comes to problem solving this is a really good question. There’s a problem in your organization and you want to ask people questions in order to solve the problem. But sometimes how you asked that question, can determine the quality of answers you receive.
Here’s an example: let’s say there is something wrong with the XYZ process. So you go to someone who works on this process and you say to them “Do you like this process?”
This type of question usually gets more of like a yes or no answer. You’re not going to get a lot of response. It’s like you’re asking someone “Do you like chocolate ice cream?” Most people will either say, “yes” or “no”. They’re not going to tell you much more.
Instead, I want you to ask “Hey, when it comes to the XYZ process, how do you think we can improve it?”
This way you’re acknowledging the other persons‘s expertise, their knowledge, and you’re asking for their help to come up with a solution.
Sometimes the people who work directly on something may know the way to make it better but they won’t supply that information unless you ask. And you have to ask the right way. So, acknowledge the other person, ask them for their feedback, and then you can make your determinations.
It’s a great way to solve problems in your organization. Ask the right questions.
About This Video Series
Ken Okel’s ongoing Employee Productivity video series will make you more effective on the job. Every week, you’ll learn a new, easy to understand tip that you can use right away.
Got a productivity problem? Let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming episode.
About Ken Okel
As a motivational speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit his video page.
