Open questions enhance worker communication
As a leader, you know that engaging people and connecting them to your business goals can have a direct impact on the bottom line. Your internal communication plan can include two-way communication tools such as feedback channels and listening sessions to achieve this.
An opportunity to increase employee engagement
But when it comes down to it, executive interactions are the connection or disconnection of an employee with the organization. Every time you stand in front of an employee, be it individually or in a group, you have the opportunity to increase this engagement through dialogue.
One surefire way to start the conversation is with an open-ended question. Unlike questions that give people limited answers, open-ended questions encourage them to express their opinions and ideas. When you listen to what they have to say, show interest and respect for their contributions, it shows that you care and that the effects can be significant.
I recently coached a strategic presentation skills leader. He had a tendency to keep talking without stopping and needed some work to better connect with the people in the room. We talked about the importance of pausing and asking a question during the presentation to involve the audience.
During our coaching session when he took a break for the first time, I was glad he listened to my recommendation. But then he counteracted the positive effect by asking, "Does anyone have any questions?" It's like saying, "Does someone want to lend me $ 5,000?" It was great for him to take a break, but asking a closed question basically shut people out rather than opening them up.
On the other hand, you can start the conversation and create engaging dialogue by using some common open-ended questions.
Try these general open-ended questions:
- Help me with your reaction to what I just said.
- Give me some feedback on the decisions I just presented.
- What are your thoughts?
- Would you tell me more about ___?
- Can you help me understand this a little better?
- How does this process work now?
- How do you see it
- What are the challenges you face?
- What is the most important priority for you? Why?
- What other topics are important to you?
- What do you want to achieve?
What opportunities do you see in the coming weeks to open the conversation and involve employees?
– David Grossman
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