How to Ask Powerful Questions for More Connection and Engagement

A few months ago, I had Chad Littlefield on Asking for a Friend talking about the art of powerful questions. Specifically, the importance of shifting WHY questions to WHAT and HOW questions for more connection and engagement. 

If you missed that conversation, catch it right here.  

This week on Asking for a Friend, I share more of our interview and Chad talks about how to ask powerful questions without triggering defensiveness.

Powerful Questions Begin with Genuine Curiosity

 

Chad shares that when you’re about to question WHY someone did something…use this litmus test:

• Are you inviting some of their story and perspective into the conversation?
• Are you creating an open space to listen to them?

Or…

• Are you pushing them into what Chad calls “the land of rationalization and defensiveness?”

If you’re pushing them into rationalization and defensiveness, using a WHAT or a HOW question might be a better option. And try to make sure it’s not just a WHY question in dressed up disguise!

Chad challenges us to “double your count.” Meaning ask double the number of questions in your day. Did you know that adults only tend to ask 6-12 questions per day?!? And our research here at Let’s Grow Leaders for our book Courageous Cultures revealed that 49% of employees said that they are not regularly asked for their ideas!

What do you think? Can you double your daily question count to 12 – 24? Flex your curiosity muscle…and ask more powerful questions! 

Your turn. I would love to hear from you! What is your favorite approach to asking better, more powerful questions that encourage connection and engagement? 

Related Articles to Help Your Team Ask Powerful Questions and Increase Connection and Engagement

How Do I Ask Better Questions to Create More Psychological Safety?

Braver at Work: Questions to Inspire Your Next Courageous Act

Courageous Questions: How to Make It Easier to Get Better Insights

9 Questions to Help Your Team Solve Problems On Their Own

7 Icebreaker Questions to Melt Frustration and Build Trust