Is there such a thing as a bad question? Asking questions is essential at work, and knowing how to ask better questions can help improve conversations with your team members.
While it may sound like an easy concept, asking better questions is a craft that takes time and effort to master.
Today’s guest is Deb Calvert. Deb is the author of DISCOVER Questions® for Connections, Clarity & Control, and two previous bestsellers. As the founder of People First Leadership Academy and president of People First Productivity Solutions, Deb’s work focuses on leadership development and team effectiveness. She’s a Certified Master of The Leadership Challenge® and a certified executive coach. Deb was named one of the "65 Most Influential Women in Business" and was formerly an HR Director with a Fortune 500 company. In addition, Deb’s research and methodologies have been published globally in academic journals.
In this episode, Deb and I talk about the art of asking better questions. She shares the eight types of questions we should be asking, what happens when we ask sub-optimal questions, and provides alternatives to some common questions managers ask that really aren’t helpful.
Join the conversation now!
Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Conversation Topics
- (00:00) Intro
- (01:57) The problem with asking poorly-crafted questions
- (03:24) What a sub-optimal question looks like
- (06:29) 8 types of questions that managers should be asking
- (18:10) A better alternative to a why question
- (21:19) Alternatives to some common questions managers ask that aren’t helpful
- (27:57) A great manager Deb has worked with
- (29:21) Keep up with Deb
- (31:03) [Extended Episode Only] Benefits of asking good questions and why you should put more thought into it
- (34:55) [Extended Episode Only] How managers can help team members ask better questions
- (36:48) [Extended Episode Only] How to encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and ask questions
- (40:00) [Extended Episode Only] The best model for presenting information and asking questions to accommodate different personality types
Additional Resources:
- Read the full transcript
here- Read the related blog article
here- Follow me on Instagram
here - Visit my website for more
here
Keep up with Deb Calvert:
- Follow Deb on LinkedIn
here- Check out her company’s website
here- Learn more about her training programs and courses
here- Grab a copy of Deb’s book
here
Guest Bonus: Discounted 3-Part Masterclass and Signed Book
---------------------
The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.
Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!
What is The Modern Manager?
Host Mamie Kanfer Stewart shares practical approaches to help you be a great manager. Learn more at: https://themodernmanager.com/
Solo episodes are like mini-courses, providing actionable tips based on experience and research. Guest episodes are engaging conversations that elicit insights and suggestions for how to apply the ideas.
Learn more about effective meeting practices, communication skills, managing conflict, team building, time management, group dynamics, goal setting and accountability, team competencies, productivity and collaboration technologies, organizational culture, and more.
Be sure to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode!