There are two communication tools that, for me, stand out above all others.  One is to shut up!  No seriously, less talk and more listening is so often the key to understanding.  But today I want to talk about the number two skill…asking questions.  As a manager we are paid to answer questions and tell people what to do and how to do it…right?  Well, let’s just say yes and there’s more to the story.  

 

Our tendency as managers is to focus on efficiency and results, so we often tell people what to do, and how to do it and leave it at that. However there is an opportunity to have a deeper conversation with our employees…one that evokes their wisdom. In doing this we discover that we don’t have to be the source of all the improvements, knowledge and answers. When we have an employee with a complaint, a negative attitude or even a hesitancy about an issue, an open ended question can reap great rewards.    

 

Open Questions Open Doors!

 

Here are some questions that will help you open the doors to communicating in a more significant and productive manner.  

1. What is your take on this issue?  

2.  How would you like it to be or happen? 

3.  What have you already tried? 

4.  If you were me what would you do 

5.  Can you recall another situation that brings some light to this issue? 

6.  What is the result we are going for here, and what is the simplest way to get there?  

 

Questions, and thoughtful discussion about workplace issues energizes you and your employees,leads to fresh ideas and gets teamwork going in a way that includes the whole team. 

 

If you would like to receive 21 Great Ideas For Rewarding Your Employees That are Free or Low Cost just fill in your first name and email in the box on the right of this blog page.  I will email them to you at absolutely no charge to you. Watch your inbox for an email.  To subscribe to this blog go to the right hand side of this blog under “Get New Post Updates” and enter your email address. 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Communication, Management Skills //