![\"How](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/How-to-ask-better-questions-at-work-cover-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat are \u201cbetter questions\u201d at work? (a.k.a the common types of questions at work)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
First of all, what are \u201cbetter questions\u201d at work? Well, one of the answers to this question would be the following \u2014 Asking \u201cbetter questions\u201d at the workplace involves asking the right questions at the right time, with the right intention. To help further clarify this, let\u2019s look at the common types of questions you may ask at work, classified by their intention \u2014 what the asker is trying to achieve by asking them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to research, questions can be categorized as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Information-seeking questions<\/strong>. People use these questions to ask others for information they don\u2019t know.\n
- \n
- Example:<\/strong> \u201cWhen do we start the new phase of our project?<\/em>\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rhetorical questions<\/strong>. The asker already knows the answer to the question, but uses it to emphasise a point.\n
- \n
- Example: \u201c<\/strong>You know that work hours start at 9 a.m. sharp?<\/em>\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Examination questions<\/strong>. These are questions that people use to test someone\u2019s knowledge.\n
- \n
- Example:<\/strong> \u201cDo you know what the first rule of this office is?<\/em>\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Indirect requests<\/strong>. These are polite requests for action<\/a>, including suggestions and invitations.\n
- \n
- Example:<\/strong> \u201cCan you help me with this printer, please?<\/em>\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBetter\u201d questions are those that, depending on the context, effectively accomplish one or more of these intended purposes in a manner that is timely and situation-appropriate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that we know what types of questions we\u2019ll be talking about, we can take a look at some of the benefits asking them provides.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Tactful](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tactful-indirect-request-asked-in-Pumble-leading-to-a-positive-outcome.png\")
A tactful indirect request asked in Pumble by CAKE.com, leading to a positive outcome<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Connect with your coworkers over Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the benefits of asking better questions at work? \ud83d\udc4c<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Notable benefits you get from asking better questions at work include an improvement in active learning and deeper connections formed with your coworkers. Additionally, an open attitude towards asking questions makes you seem more likable, as well as more passionate about your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good questions boost active learning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Asking good questions shows the beliefs and premises of the person being questioned. This allows them to reflect on their thought processes, and actively learn<\/a> from the experience. So, when you ask someone a thought-provoking question, not only do you learn valuable information from the interaction, you also give the other person an opportunity to learn something themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You seem more likeable <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If this wasn\u2019t enough to convince you, one Harvard study<\/a> showed \u2014 in no unclear terms \u2014 that people who engage in question-asking are more universally liked. Perceived as more understanding and responsive, these people have better odds at leaving a positive impression on their conversation partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Others can see you are passionate about your work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you ask thoughtful questions, it shows you care about your work. It demonstrates initiative and having a proactive attitude, allowing others to see the level of enthusiasm<\/a> you have for your role in the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asking questions creates connections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you ask someone a question that lets them open up and speak frankly about something they care about, you create a deeper connection<\/a> between the two of you. This connection is based on trust, mutual respect, and understanding. As such, it provides people with enough room to express themselves truthfully. These connections can often carry over into other areas of business, and even personal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Make communication easier<\/span>\nSimplify team communication and collaborate more effectively. Try Pumble.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n9 tips to help you ask better questions at work \ud83d\udcaf<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve established the benefits of asking better questions at work, so now it\u2019s time to take a look at some tips on how to go about it. With enough thought and practice put into learning this skill, you can ask great questions that help you advance your career and work relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Before you ask, find out if the question hasn\u2019t already been answered <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t want to look uninformed, so pay attention to all available information the company has provided around the topic you have questions about<\/strong>. You may want to check out any guidelines, company wikis or even chat logs, as potential locations of needed information. This can prevent frustration people feel from repetitive questions being asked, and written instructions are often more comprehensive than verbal ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd36 Example:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Danny is newly hired as a video editor for a web-based journalism company. She wants to know about the procedures when it comes to posting videos on social media, so she first checks the company wiki to find out information about it. When she finds no relevant instructions, she takes a look at the chat log of her team\u2019s messaging app, and is soon rewarded with the exact information she wanted to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udca1 \u00a0<\/strong>In order to be able to find whether your questions already have an answer, you\u2019ll need free access to your messaging history. Pumble is a business messaging app<\/a> by CAKE.com<\/a> which offers many free features, including unlimited chat history for free<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Chat](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Chat-search-feature-in-Pumble.png\")
Chat search feature in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Utilize Pumble’s powerful Search feature<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Conquer your fear of asking questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The thought alone of having to ask questions at work is enough to make some people nervous and jittery. Understandably so, as asking questions usually means that you don\u2019t know the answer \u2014 automatically putting you in a vulnerable position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it is crucial to <\/strong>overcome this fear<\/strong><\/a>, as it prevents you from accessing all the benefits asking questions has for your career. So, we say \u2014 practice, practice, practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With time and repetition comes confidence, so taking the first step is the pivotal point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd36 Example:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sharon is an office assistant for a mid-size company. Lately, she\u2019s been having many additional tasks added to her workload, so she believes it\u2019s time for her to ask for a raise. However, she\u2019s already missed too many opportunities to raise this subject with her supervisor, due to being too anxious. She decides to pick up a book to help with her confidence, and when she finally does ask for a raise, she finds out that her supervisor is more than willing to comply with her request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. First ask questions to yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s good practice to first examine your own attitudes and thought patterns<\/strong>. This allows you to be more objective and well-reasoned when approaching your work responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A keynote and TEDx speaker and author, Ira Wolfe<\/a>, can help us with his advice on asking the best questions to ourselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We reached out to him for this blog post, and got the following answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cFor certain, the best questions depend on context. But over the years I’ve always found these to be helpful:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
– What am I seeing that I’m denying because it doesn’t fit into my view of the world?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
– <\/strong>What alternative conclusions are possible?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
– What unintended consequences, both positive and negative, should I consider?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Can I afford to ignore what I see?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Am I listening to the people closest to the problem or the opportunity?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd36 Example:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caleb has had trouble with making rash decisions in the past. Upon reflection, and with his role as a general manager of his company, he found this unacceptable. So, he set up a system of written notes on his desk, reminding him to reexamine his attitude every time he is about to make a significant decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These notes include questions such as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- \u201cHave I consulted people around me before making decisions?<\/em>\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cAre there any alternative solutions to this?<\/em>\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cAm I too excited, and ignoring possible issues?<\/em>\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Simplify work with Pumble<\/span>\nStrengthen your team. Try Pumble, the all-in-one communication app.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-4.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n4. Make use of technology to help facilitate question-asking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Communication technology is an integral part of the modern workplace. Use it to your advantage to facilitate question-asking among members of cross-functional teams, among peer employees, and between supervisors and those under their line of authority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Up to 75% of millennials<\/a> find phone calls too time-consuming. On the other hand, face-to-face meetings might even be impossible \u2014 when working remotely for example. But, with the productive use of <\/strong>communication tools<\/strong><\/a>, such as a business messaging app that has the right features<\/a>, your team can have a simple and stress-free way of asking relevant questions when it comes to tasks. It\u2019s an easier, simpler, more efficient, and more centralized way of communicating in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd36 Example<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As shown below, you can create a #ask-questions<\/em> channel in your team messaging app. Kristy, Devin, and Martina use it here to all ask pertinent questions, and get instant feedback. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"#ask-questions](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ask-questions-channel-in-Pumble-business-messaging-app.png\")
#ask-questions channel in Pumble business messaging app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Explore Pumble’s Channels<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Ask authentic questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Authentic questions come up as the result of the asker\u2019s natural curiosity. They are not forced or instructed by their supervisors or company structures. The way they are, authentic questions <\/strong>show genuine interest<\/strong><\/a> and resonate well with the people participating in the conversation. Additionally, these types of questions can disrupt obsolete structures and patterns of organizing, allowing room for growth for both the company and the individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd36 Example:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the middle of a long meeting around implementing new features for an e-commerce app, Matt \u2014 a junior designer \u2014 asks: \u201cHow does this feature help the user?<\/em>\u201d He is initially met with silence, as the discussion centered mostly around financial costs and benefits to the company. Then the meeting turns into a brainstorming session, with many participants suggesting the possible issues new features would solve for the user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Avoid loaded and leading questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you ask a question with an answer in mind, you fall into the trap of asking <\/strong>loaded and leading questions<\/strong><\/a>. With how they\u2019re phrased and voiced, these questions suggest to the respondent what is expected from their response. Your conversation partner might feel pushed into a corner, without space to freely express their opinion. In fact, these types of questions defeat the whole purpose of asking questions \u2014 learning something new and valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd36 Example:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou weren\u2019t going to tell me that you were taking time off next week?<\/em>\u201d Sally is the lead accountant, posing this question to Rudy \u2014 a junior accountant. Feeling put on the spot, Rudy stumbles over his words. Rudy feels the need to go into a defensive stance, even though he had every intention of telling Sally about his vacation. He resorts to what sounds like excuse-making, which makes the entire conversation even more uncomfortable for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Ask open-ended questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If a person can answer your question with only a \u201cyes\u201d or a \u201cno\u201d \u2014 you\u2019re not asking great questions. Always make sure your questions are open-ended<\/strong>, so they give space for people to provide thoughtful and relevant answers. A close-ended question limits what the respondent can say, providing no incentive for them to go into detail or to give more context about what is being said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd36 Example:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When writing an employee engagement survey, Kayla \u2014 an HR assistant \u2014 opts for open-ended questions which allow more freedom of expression to the employees. So, instead of asking: \u201cOverall, are you satisfied with your job?<\/em>\u201d, she writes: \u201cWhat kind of offer would make you consider leaving your job?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Empower team communication<\/span>\nEffortless collaboration and communication. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n8. Listen closely to the answers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
People hate repetitive questions. You don\u2019t want to be stuck in some kind of a nightmarish loop of a meeting where someone keeps asking the same thing without paying attention to the responses. If you ask the same questions over and over again, it can give people the impression that you are lazy, inattentive, or even annoying. So \u2014 listen closely<\/strong>! It\u2019s been proven<\/a> to positively affect all aspects of interpersonal interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd36 Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sam\u2019s inattentive attitude led to him being fired from his previous job as a customer service specialist. His inability to listen closely to the client\u2019s request was the cause of many misunderstandings and frustrations expressed by the clients he communicated with. Finally, after many warnings, he was given his notice as the ability to listen and understand the customer\u2019s needs is crucial for this job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. When people say you\u2019ve failed, ask: \u201dHow can I improve?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Or, in other words \u2014 ask for negative feedback<\/strong><\/a> and possible solutions to your drawbacks<\/strong>. Re-frame your setbacks as an opportunity to learn and to change what led up to an unsuccessful outcome. This provides guidelines and makes room for you to improve in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd36 Example:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After another unsuccessful job interview, Bret decides to ask the hiring manager: \u201cWhat areas do you think I should focus on improving before applying for the next job?<\/em>\u201d The manager goes on to give him a detailed explanation of his shortcomings and points him in the direction he should take in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercises to help you ask better questions \ud83c\udfcb\ufe0f<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With some exercise, asking tactful and non-judgemental questions will become second nature to you. Remember, asking \u201cwhy\u201d may make people defensive<\/a>, if they feel put on the spot. So, stick with a more neutral word choice \u2014 without compromising on the assertiveness of the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cAre there any alternative solutions to this?<\/em>\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cHave I consulted people around me before making decisions?<\/em>\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Indirect requests<\/strong>. These are polite requests for action<\/a>, including suggestions and invitations.\n
- Examination questions<\/strong>. These are questions that people use to test someone\u2019s knowledge.\n
- Rhetorical questions<\/strong>. The asker already knows the answer to the question, but uses it to emphasise a point.\n
- Example:<\/strong> \u201cWhen do we start the new phase of our project?<\/em>\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-4@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-2@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"