Official Newsjournal of the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists
by Travis Hunerdosse, PharmD, MBA, ICHP President
Have you considered questioning a skill that could be developed? Or how your own answers to questions impact conversation? If you are not asking questions, you may be missing an opportunity to make conversations more productive with your colleagues, boss, trainees, or preceptors. Asking questions, or questioning, fosters learning and idea exchange. Questioning provides energy for innovation, change, and process improvement. Asking the right questions in the right way can also expose breakdowns in systems that put an organization at risk. There are useful techniques that can be used in order to gain more from your questioning and how you answer others.
The act of conversation accomplishes two things; information exchange (learning) and impression management (liking). Asking questions achieves both. Questioning provides a channel for people to get to know one another and also demonstrates a genuine interest in the individual. Believe it or not, people liked to be asked questions. It makes them feel appreciated which in turn leaves a positive impression.
Consider this in context of a job interview. During a traditional interview, the candidate is the one answering most of the questions. They are also taking the opportunity to describe why they are the best candidate for the job, past experience, and qualifications. What leaves a lasting (and good) impression is when the candidate asks questions. Interviewees that ask questions demonstrate competence and an interest in the organization or the interviewer, develop a rapport, and learn key information that ensures that the position and the company are a good match.
In addition to beginning to ask questions, there are other factors that influence the quality of the conversation. These factors are type, tone, sequence, and framing. These can be taken into context when determining the desired outcome of the conversation. Active listening is also crucial. You are asking questions to gain information and learn. Also you want to be able to respond effectively to ensure you are achieving your goals in the conversation.
Consider the following techniques when approaching your next conversation:
Reference:
Wood Brooks, A., John, L.K. The Surprising Power of Questions. HBR. May-June, 2018. pg 60-67.
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