There are two types of clarifying questions: For example, ask, “Can you explain more about what it would take to implement this new process you just described?” If you’re confused, asking for more details will provide clues about what’s missing. Clarifying questions help us become better listeners by encouraging us to seek more information, rather than assuming we understand.įor example, instead of reacting to a team member's idea with, "That's a terrible idea," you could ask, "Can you tell me what inspired you to come up with this idea?” or “How do you think it will help solve our customers’ problems?”Ĭlarifying questions also provide feedback to the speaker, indicating which parts of their message were unclear. They improve dialogue and minimize any misunderstanding, confusion, or ambiguity. Good listening is a cooperative conversation.Īsking questions means you want to learn. Questions make your colleagues feel supported and help them refine their ideas or opinions. They are someone you can bounce ideas off of – and rather than absorbing your ideas and energy, they amplify, energize, and clarify your thinking.” Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman reflect on their research findings: “While many of us have thought of being a good listener being like a sponge that accurately absorbs what the other person is saying, instead, what these findings show is that good listeners are like trampolines. Questions turn the “speaker versus hearer” division into a dialogue, making everyone feel heard and thrilled. Good listening is not about being a passive observer engaging in fruitful conversations. However, we’ve got it all wrong, according to research. Most people think being a good listener comes down to paying attention, not interrupting the speaker, and being able to repeat back what they said. What Are Clarifying Questions? (And Why They Improve Active Listening)
Try to clarify questions how to#
Here’s how to improve your team’s conversations by asking better clarifying questions. Regardless of whether you are a leader or team member, active listening can improve communication and, above all, collaboration. In today’s world, organizations need to think more than ever. Clarifying questions help leaders understand what others are saying – they can better understand a problem, identify new solutions, and evaluate alternatives.
Great leaders avoid jumping to conclusions or assumptions they rely on powerful questions to understand the facts before passing judgment. The rush to act now – to keep up to speed with the fast-moving world – leads us to poor decision-making. Unfortunately, proper questioning has become a lost art. It has never been more important to facilitate fruitful discussions. The quality of your team’s conversations is directly correlated to the questions people ask. An introduction to clarifying questions – and why your colleagues should use them more often
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