Tips To Gauge Concerns

Often, when people tell us about something that's worrying them, they talk "around" the topic. It can be difficult for them to get right to the heart of the issue. If you feel that concerns aren't getting out into the open, use questions that will help bring important clues to the surface. 

Four Good Questions to Get You There

1. What do you consider the fundamental thing that we should be trying to achieve?

2. If you had the sole choice, what would you most like to see happen now?

3. Can you think of three areas that concern you about this issue?

4. What else is causing you to worry about this?

Questions help people clarify what may be fuzzy or difficult to discuss. Asking--then listening--will help you become a trusted colleague and interpersonal leader.

Comments

[Joan Schramm]

Excellent questions -- they demonstrate to the other person that you're interested in their opinion, open to feedback, and not just looking for a quick, superficial "fix" to whatever the situation is.

[Steve Roesler]

Hi, Joan

Thanks for the reinforcement on this one. Have been doing diagnostic interviews and this bubbled to the surface as a result.

[Josh F]

Great set of questions! Finding out what's bothering someone can be very difficult, both in the workplace and with family and friends.