Young Professionals: Know The Power of Questions

“Know the power of questions and get meaningful answers.” ~ Danita Bye

When I look at my personal library on both leadership and selling, most of the books contain chapters about the importance of asking questions. Why? I’m probably like most of us…talking and telling my story is often easier than listening and asking questions.

Ask insightful questions

In researching high-end sales people, we’ve found that when they talk 20% of the time and listen 80% of the time, they’re perceived as more trustworthy and more competent. That’s why I’m always looking for tools and ideas to help me remember the power of asking questions.

My advise for Young Professionals:

When a conversation still leaves me in the dark, these simple questions help me to really understand what the other person is feeling and thinking:

Conversation Challenge # 1: When I get a vague response with little or no detail, I ask –

Tell me more. Can you clarify?
Help me understand…
What did you mean when you said…..

Conversation Challenge #2: When I’m not sure what someone is asking / telling me, I ask –

What an interesting question. Why do you ask?
I think you’re asking…… is that correct?
May I ask why you want to know more about that?

Conversation Challenge # 3: When I don’t want a “yes” or “no” answer, I ask –

“Open ended” questions to encourage further thought.
Questions that start with “What, Where, When, Who, How”

When a conversation still leaves me in the dark, these simple questions help me to really understand what the other person is feeling and thinking:

I love this quote by George Bernard Shaw. “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

Dakota Leadership’s Third Action Step to Live with an Outward Focus

Know and use the power of questions.

Living with an outward focus will help you use the power of questions, whether you’re in the middle of the North Dakota Bakken or in the midst of your own version of chaos, to bring meaning to those you interact with when they open up and share how they truly feel.

What is Dakota Leadership?

Dakota Leadership is resilient influence rooted in virtuous character that amid challenges determinedly acts as a catalyst for momentum and positive change.

In the next post I’ll tell you how to treat others the way they want to be treated.

Dakota Leadership question: What challenges do you experience to get people to open up?

Dakota Leadership lesson: Insightful questions can help leaders better understand the challenges and needs of those they lead.

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