And stop asking bad questions
Has this ever happened to you: you are sitting in a meeting, and somebody asks a silly question? The question has such an obvious answer, you are tempted to roll your eyes. But then the obvious answer just doesn’t come. Either the answer was very different to what you thought, or nobody knew what it was or there is more than one answer. This is perfectly illustrated below; in an image you have surely seen before:
The above scenario can be resolved by asking probing “obvious” questions, and changing perspective. This kind of probing and asking of very obvious questions, is an extremely important tool, that any team member can wield, to improve the results of your project.
“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.” – Isaac Asimov
This should lead to asking what a good obvious question is. For this we can turn to the Socratic method. At its most rudimentary, the Socratic method is series of different types of question intended to explore different perspectives and stimulate conversation.
Before starting this process with the project team, it is important to explain why questions should be asked. This process should foster a sense of curiosity and ensure that there is an empathetic environment to ask “silly” questions. To achieve this, you can start with:
1. Questions about the questions
These are questions that aim to establishing the reasons for asking questions. They would likely look like:
· Why are questions being asked?
· What is the point of these questions?
· What other questions should be asked?
These questions should involve the entire team, especially the more reserved members. After this has been established, you can get to asking more probing questions.
2. Questions that clarify concepts
The first type of probing question is a request for more information. These delve in the concepts and ensures further discussions. Questions could include:
· Can you explain this?
· Can you give an example?
· Can you describe this in more detail?
These questions allow everyone to revisit the basics and can clear up misconceptions. They ensure that there is a common understanding, which means that your project will be on based on a solid foundation. It also gives those, who are too ashamed to admit they do not know, the opportunity to learn. Without asking these probing questions, the foundation to your project may be flawed and could collapse like a house of cards.
3. Questioning assumptions
The second type of question is used to uncover the team’s unquestioned beliefs and assumptions. Questions like:
· What are the underlying assumptions?
· Why do you believe this?
· Can you verify that assumption?
Through these questions the team will gain insights, change false and outdated assumptions and can also highlight any gaps in the available information. It can also ensure that the individuals in the team all understand and have the same basic assumptions, thus clearing up misconceptions.
4. Asking for Evidence
The third type of question asks for explanations and for evidence of accepted facts. These questions would typically include:
· Why did this happen?
· What caused this?
· What evidence supports this?
These questions allow others to understand the topic better and is a good way to create buy-in. Questions like these can also jog a team member’s memory or remind them of some information that is pertinent to the project.
5. Questions about different perspectives
This type of question specifically addresses the illustration in the opening paragraphs. These questions aim to challenge viewpoints and to ensure more tolerance between differing viewpoints. These could include questions like:
· What alternative ways of looking at this are there?
· Why is this option better?
· Who is affected by this?
These questions can resolve difference quicker and in a safe environment. Ideally, this would be done sooner rather than later. These questions also reveal individual members of the team’s understanding, all gain further insights and, importantly, can prompt more questions.
6. Determining implications and consequences
The final type of question determines and clarifies what are the implications and consequences. These questions could be:
· What would happen?
· What are the consequences?
· How would that affect…?
These questions determine whether the consequences are desirable, which could prevent the wrong decision being made. It can also underscore the importance of specific assumptions and highlight risks.
This is why asking the “obvious” or “stupid” or “silly” question is so important. To go back to Asimov, they scrub our windows clean. This sets the scene for us to discuss the types of questions that should not be asked.
What are bad questions
The above questions are all examples of good questions, but unlike our teachers told us, the are also bad questions. By bad questions I do not mean asking rhetorical questions, or small talk such as: How are you? For the rhetorical questions, simply nod sagely, and for the small talk be polite and engage with your team mate.
No, I mean the type of questions that should not be asked and should not be tolerated.
The most innocuous bad question is the one that interrupts the speaker, it is not about the question itself, but about poor timing. To prevent this, ensure that everybody stops often enough for questions to be asked. In other words, not just allowing for questions at the end of a session.
Another type of inoffensive question is posing a request as a question. This is best shown by for instance saying: “Please wear your mask” as opposed to posing it as a question: “Why are you not wearing a mask?”.
The next type of question, which is objectionable, is the type that tries to trick people or to prove the questioner is more knowledgeable about the subject. Ego has no place in good project management nor on a project team.
The next unacceptable type question is one used as a personal attack. These questions may include questions that challenge someone’s intelligence, motivations, values or decisions. These questions should not be tolerated, and must be stopped immediately.
The final type of bad question, is the type that violates social rules and norms. These are questions about religious beliefs, gender or ethnicity.