Management Tip of the Day: 3 Tips for Asking Better Questions

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Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MAY 3, 2010 3 Tips for Asking Better Questions For leaders to be effective, they need to connect honestly with others: investors, direct reports, fellow leaders. Asking good questions can not only help you find out essential information, but also lay the groundwork for collaboration. Often it's not about what you ask, but how. Here are three tips for improving the way you ask questions: Be curious. Doing all the talking doesn't make you an effective leader. Be inquisitive and ask about topics that are important to you and to the person with whom you're talking. Be open-ended. Use what, how, and why questions. Don't just ask about events, but about thoughts and motivations as well. Dig deeper. Don't accept the first answer you get. Ask follow-up questions to get more detail and surface the real story. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Learn to Ask Better Questions" by John Baldoni. Read the full blog post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT What to Ask the Person in the Mirror Harvard Business Review Article As leaders rise through the ranks, they have fewer and fewer opportunities for honest and direct feedback. Therefore, it is wise to go through a self-assessment, to periodically step back from the bustle of running a business and ask some key questions of yourself. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: BEST SELLERS Financial Intelligence Collection 10 Must-Read Articles from HBR HBR's Must-Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing How to Get the Right Work Done PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Steps to Exiting a Conversation Gracefully Use the Three-Minute Rule to Better Understand Your Customers Enjoy Trying on the Way to Achieving 3 Things to Assess Before You Back Down 3 Ways to Keep Good Employees in a Bad Economy Ask for Immediate Feedback Be a Better Leader by Building Your Self-Awareness 4 Things Your Employees Want from You 3 Ways to Overcome Barriers to Change 3 Ways to Keep Your Brain in Shape HBR Online Trial Access HBR's in-depth business archives FREE for 14 days. Register today » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 1-800-545-7685 (617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)