Tips to Pinpoint Real Issues At Work

Often, when people tell us about something that's worrying them, they talk "around" the topic. Counselors call it the "presenting issue." It can be difficult for them to get right to the heart of the issue; or, they may not be clear and able to articulate what they are thinking and feeling. If you feel that concerns aren't getting out into the open, use these 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 specific 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.

Note: Thank you for continuing to subscribe to All Things Workplace as we continue to try creating actionable ideas that you can apply immediately on-the-job. Keep an eye out for our upcoming book designed to help managers quickly reference the "how to's" of daily professional leadership.

 

Comments

[Lynn Ferguson-Pinet]

It does feel like sometimes you should take some courses in being an effective counselor to be able to really help staff through difficult situations. Your advice is a great step in the right direction to both help managers and employees alike.

Thanks
Lynn
www.conundrumadventures.com

[Steve Roesler]

Hi, Lynn

I'm not sure that many organizations realize that "counseling skills" can be taught and learned for two reasons:

1. Simply to be able to better listen, understand, and respond in the most effective ways

2. To recognize when a situation has been identified that requires professional help and to be able to show people what is available and how it might be helpful.

Thanks for stopping by again and taking time to weigh in.

Steve

[Ougal2010]

Your advice is very helpful and I agree with on the fact that many organizations should take a leading role in assisting people with counseling if needed. Why do you think so little emphasis is given to listening and understanding employees when there is a problem whether it be personal or professional?

Markyeta

[Cowan Anderson]

Good jobs are difficult to find. You don't want to make a hasty decision as i am an iPhone application developer i have to make thoughtfully considered my options, before switching the job.

[Aohanian]

Steve I will add one extra point to your four – wait for an answer. When people having difficulty responding to a question it usually means their answer is important. When you pose one of your questions be silent and count in your head up to 8. It may seem like an eternity but that is the time the other person will need to answer a tough question. Usually longer you wait the better and more valuable the answer would be.

[Christine Steffensen]

Yes, that's right "Asking then listening" will help you become a trusted colleague and interpersonal leader. You also need to seek some idea from others. Those questions really help employees and managers to pinpoint their issues at work.

[Scottleadership]

Being able to pinpoint issues at work can be a difficult task if you are not accustomed to listening and asking the right questions. A great read and a must read for all leaders who aspire to truly make a difference and help their employees benefit.

Scott Hunter
http://www.unshackledleadership.com/