Asking better questions
Here's a thought on asking better questions, they're a super-undervalued skill that is not usually taught. A missed opportunity that if honed, can be a superpower in your life, relationships, and career.
Studies show that asking better questions depends on the context. Conversational goals matter, so think about your questions, are they:
Studies show that asking better questions depends on the context. Conversational goals matter, so think about your questions, are they:
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Cooperative
- people trying to build a relationship or accomplish a task together
- Example: conversations between friends and colleagues
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Competitive
- seek to uncover sensitive information from each other or serve their own interests
- Example: discussions about the allocation of scarce resources tend to be competitive
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Some combination of both
- Example: managers’ check-ins with employees, are mixed—supportive but also providing feedback and communicating expectations
