The "trick" To Getting The Management Information You Need Is To Phrase Your Questions Correctly.

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Introduction. The quality of the information managers receive is determined by the questions they ask. Some managers believe that they merely have to ask in order to find out what they need to know. If only it was as easy as that...! The good news is that the problem's easily fixed. The bad news is that if it's happening, it's probably your fault.

What You Deserve. Understand this. The quality of information you receive will be directly related to the quality of the questions you ask. Sloppy, imprecise questions attract sloppy, imprecise answers. Some managers think that because they're managers, staff will tell them exactly what they need to know. Sadly, it just isn't so.

The Information Killer: "Why?" Asking "Why" attracts opinions and opinion based explanations. "Why?" doesn't attract facts. "Why" is something you should deduce from the information you receive. You can then check your deduction with others.

Ask questions starting with "What, how, who. which, when." You'll learn more by asking "What happened to him?" rather than "Why is he lying on the floor in a pool of blood?"

Don't Simply Accept What You're Told Your staff are not necessarily as articulate as you'd like. Sometimes they don't express themselves clearly. You need patience if you want valuable information. Sometimes they just don't have an answer but try to sound as if they do. They may simply be unable to clearly say what they think.

Learn To Paraphrase. Paraphrasing is a very undervalued skill. Just repeat back to staff in your words what you think they said and meant. Say "Are you saying that ...?" "Do you mean that ...?"

Avoid including your opinion in the question. "Do you think the rain was responsible?is almost telling them what you want them to say. It's better to ask, "What do you think caused the crash?"

Learn The Value Of Silence Ask and wait. The longer the silence the more likely you are to get an answer. If you really want an answer, stay silent. Avoid prompting. If you prompt, "Is it because ...?" you're telling staff the answer you're expecting. That's what they'll tell you. Be patient in the pursuit of reliable information.

Conclusion Questions and answers are part of the fabric of the modern workplace. Staff often have information to help managers make important decisions. You need that information. You're not simply entitled to it just because you're the boss. Remember, you'll get the information you deserve. Phrase your questions properly. Be patient in waiting for answers. And avoid the killer "why?".

by: Leon Noone

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