L'art de la question | Isabelle Lord | TEDxHECMontréal

Summary

In this presentation, the speaker explores the critical art of questioning, especially in leadership and business contexts. Emphasizing the importance of open-ended questions, strategic intent, and the ability to master different questioning techniques, the speaker provides actionable insights on how to influence others effectively. Key elements include mastering question form, adopting the right attitude, and practicing patience in conversations. The speaker also shares practical strategies for managing resistance and achieving desired outcomes by engaging colleagues or clients. This presentation highlights the value of thoughtful questioning as a powerful leadership tool.

Takeaways

• 😀 The art of questioning is a critical tool for interaction, persuasion, and leadership in business settings.
• 😀 Mastering the art of asking questions involves three key elements: question form, attitude, and strategic intent.
• 😀 Open-ended questions are crucial for creating meaningful dialogue and engaging your audience, but should be used with precision.
• 😀 The attitude behind asking questions is important — it should be open, patient, and respectful to build relationships.
• 😀 Strategic intent when asking questions helps achieve specific goals, such as resolving resistance or influencing decision-making.
• 😀 To effectively master the art of questioning, it's important to formulate questions with more precision and relevance.
• 😀 A significant challenge is dealing with silences after asking a question; learning to embrace these pauses is key.
• 😀 Asking questions should be tailored to the situation, ensuring that they guide the conversation without overwhelming the respondent.
• 😀 Being aware of your personality and management style can influence how effectively you use the art of questioning in leadership.
• 😀 Real-life examples and strategies, like asking for commitment or validating understanding, demonstrate the power of strategic questioning in leadership.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speech?

The main theme of the speech is the 'Art of Asking Questions,' specifically in the context of leadership and business interactions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to engage others, influence decisions, and drive action in professional settings.

Why is asking the right questions important in leadership?

Asking the right questions is crucial for leadership because it helps create dialogue, engage team members, and influence decision-making. Good questions can help leaders understand their teams, overcome resistance, and lead more effectively by fostering collaboration and clarity.

What are the three key aspects to mastering the art of asking questions?

The three key aspects to mastering the art of asking questions are: (1) mastering the form of the question, especially open-ended questions; (2) having the right attitude when asking, such as openness and patience; and (3) having a strategic intent behind the question to achieve a specific goal.

What is the difference between closed and open-ended questions?

Closed-ended questions can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no' and are used for clarifying or closing a topic. Open-ended questions, on the other hand, encourage conversation, exploration, and deeper engagement, making them more effective for fostering interaction and gathering insights.

How does the attitude of questioning affect communication?

The attitude behind the question is critical in influencing how the question is received. A respectful, open, and patient approach fosters trust and engagement, while a dismissive or impatient attitude can create resistance or fear, making the conversation less productive.

Why is strategic intent important when asking questions?

Strategic intent is important because it guides the purpose of the question. By being clear about what you want to achieve—whether it’s gaining approval, understanding a perspective, or resolving resistance—you can formulate questions that drive the conversation toward a specific outcome.

What role does silence play in the art of questioning?

Silence plays a crucial role in the art of questioning as it allows the person being questioned to think and reflect on the answer. It can also signal that the question was thoughtful and requires consideration. Leaders should be comfortable with silence and use it strategically to encourage deeper reflection and responses.

What is meant by 'precision in questioning'?

Precision in questioning refers to the ability to ask questions that are focused and clear, narrowing down the scope to avoid vague or overly broad discussions. This ensures that the conversation stays productive and aligned with the goals of the interaction.

How can one improve their questioning technique?

To improve questioning techniques, one should focus on asking more open-ended questions, practice framing questions with clarity and precision, be mindful of their tone and attitude, and embrace silence as a tool for deeper conversation. Additionally, learning from feedback and continuously refining the approach is key to mastering the art of questioning.

What is the significance of asking 'what's missing' in a conversation or meeting?

Asking 'what's missing' is significant because it helps identify gaps in understanding, missing information, or areas that need further clarification. This question can stimulate critical thinking and ensure that all aspects of a project or discussion are addressed before moving forward.