“It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” – Eugene Ionesco
We are riddled with questions every single day of our busy lives. Some important, others not so. And especially as leaders in the workforce, they can be aplenty. Naturally, we might not have the answers to every query we receive, but those questions are the most vital source of communication we have. It is the lack of knowledge and the journey to finding a solution together. That is the key to a strong organization.
Thus, leaders need to reimagine how questions are perceived, both in asking as well as receiving them. The questions we ask are not just to inquire but to inspire those around us. And we also welcome them as feedback on our progress in communication. We need to start looking at questions as an opportunity to explore creativity and openness. Only then will the best of answers emerge.
This week, let’s discover how we can implement better questions at work and improve the asking culture of our workplaces.
Good Leadership Is About Asking Good Questions
There are times where questions asked by a team leader may come off as quite intimidating or aggressive even though that was not the intention. Especially closed-ended ones that require a “yes” or “no”. By reconsidering how we structure our questions, not only can we enhance the inclusivity and participation of our teammates, we also improve our impression as a strong and approachable leader.
5 Questions Leaders Need To Ask Themselves At The End Of Every Year
Questions do not have to only be directed at others. Sometimes, we need to take time and ask ourselves too. This is a good way for us to reflect on the situations and experiences that have happened throughout the year and gain a sense of direction on where to head next. Here are five great questions to ask yourself as we start the new year with a clear vision.
The Game-Changing Question That Can Maximize The Impact Of Your Meetings
Meetings can be quite a challenge when certain goals are not met or addressed. The outcome will then be lacklustre, and a feeling of dissatisfaction will follow. Well, not if the right questions were asked! Gain tips and insight from this article on what you should ask during your next meetings and elevate your group discussions to the next level.
Bonus
The Value Of Asking Questions | Karen Maeyens | TEDxUFM
While still on the topic, I would like to share with you a short talk on the value of asking questions. Think of the questions you have as a tool. A key that opens many doors of opportunity. Not only to those around you but yourself as well. The part I like most about this talk is when Karen Maeyens quoted Albert Einstein. He said:
“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask. For once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than 5 minutes”
Give this short video a watch, and with that, I wish you all the best in asking the right questions for the best outcomes in life. Have a great weekend!
About Timeo-Performance
We were founded with a vision to improve the world of work for everyone
We are in the Skills Business!
Through recruitment, training and consulting, Timeo-Performance provides solutions for increased performance of companies, teams, and individuals. As our clients are in the center of global business and often serve the APAC region, our solutions need to be sustainable in a multicultural and remote context.
Our joint venture with Akteos, the European leader in intercultural training, and partnership with digital learning solutions provider CrossKnowledge have therefore been organic and logical additions to our service. Timeo-Performance has been helping companies in APAC increase business performance since 2008 with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
We love what we do, feel the Timeo-Performance experience!
As busy professionals, our schedules are often filled to the brim with meetings and tasks to complete. We can get so caught up with work that we might even forget our all-important lunch and power through dinner as well. Alas, we can only do so much given the 24 hours we have in a day. While time management is vital, being productive is another matter in its entirety.Enter time batching.
