1. Define the Purpose of Your Questions

Define the purpose of the question before you are asking it. Questions may be relevant to various aspects, for example.

• Collecting of information: to know the facts or details.

• Encouraging Participation: To get the other team members involved.

To encourage creativity and engage in creative thinking

• If you notice that you want to ask a question that covers many aspects, try instead breaking it down into more specific questions.

• There must be more focused and effective discussions which align your questions with these purposes.

2. Use of Open-Ended Questions

The open-ended questions lead to deeper and more detailed answers. This involves gathering detailed and in-depth information from employees. It encourages them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely.

The types of questions start with “how”, “what”, or “why”. The employee using these questions can share their thoughts. Example:

• Instead of “Did you like the proposal?”, it should be “What do you think about the proposal?”

• One should avoid those questions that can be answered in just a single word, “yes” or “no”. One should rather ask such questions that motivate them to elaborate and explore.

• It encourages people to share their responses among team members.

3. Frame Questions with Genuine Curiosity

This creates a culture that makes conversation safer and more open. This kind of mindset is expressed; members of the team feel free to bring out their ideas without the fear of being judged.

• Phrasing—start your question with, ‘I wonder what your perspective is on,’ to make it an opening for discussion.

4. Encourage Reflection and Self-Discovery

Asking good questions makes employees think deeply. They must be asked in a way that encourages team members to reflect on their experiences. Examples include:

• “What challenges did you face while applying this strategy, and what did you learn?”

• Asking open-ended questions starts with “What have you learnt?” or “How has this experience shaped your thinking?”

• Such questions deepen conversations and lead to the employees development and the overall growth of team members.

5. Listen Actively and Take Notes

Active listening is one of the most important elements during an effective questionnaire. You may also note necessary follow-up questions for high engagement.

• Avoid interrupting speakers. Do not think of your next question while a person is talking; instead, listen to what that person is communicating.

6. Avoid Leading Questions

Leading questions can influence answers and limit honest opinions and feedback. They might influence what the person says.

• Instead of “Don’t you think this is the best way to do this?”, try asking, “What are the pros and cons of this approach?” This encourages free discussions, and numerous views open.