Asking for Input & Curious Questioning
Almost every day we ask for input – in some form or another. Sometimes, we are looking for concrete answers, whereas often, we don’t know what we are looking for, but we know that the person we are asking can provide great value in their answers. Whether you want concrete or creative input, your questioning style is absolutely imperative – as it dictates the type of answer you will receive. Take a look at the table:
Creative or Curious Questioning
Curious questioning is an invaluable skill which can be applied in any context. It is particularly useful when interviewing, negotiating and probing. It disarms the other party, invites honest answers and open communication. In this way, curious questioning is very often the vehicle that drives a productive outcome.
With curious open questions, the person asking the question doesn't have an answer and doesn't intend to judge or blame. The intention is to learn more and understand. The intention is to value the other person’s response, and to see where the conversations goes organically.
Curious open questions promote inductive reasoning, which leads to an expansion of the conversation, where anything goes. With curious questions, you are asking to learn, to expand your knowledge or understanding. It can be said that Curious Questions fall under the “Circular” category of questions:
Some Curious Question Structures:
I wonder… (what the next 12 months will bring for the market – I’d be interested to hear your thoughts, Jim.)
I’m wondering… (what changes the market will experience in the next 12 months. What are your thoughts Vincent?)
I’m curious to know… (your perspective on…)
I’m curious to learn… (your views on…)
I’m interested in knowing… (what you think of…)
I’m interested in hearing… (your experience of…)
I’d be interested to hear…. (your thoughts on…)
I’m keen to learn more about… (that/your experience/what you think…)
I’d love to know... (your thoughts on…)
I’m intrigued to… (discover more about…)
I’m eager to… (expand my own understanding of… what has your experience of X been, Pierre?)
Some Important Notes
* Don’t forget, your Tone, Body language and Facial expression all matter greatly.
* Your genuine Intention for questioning matters – this shines through. If you are genuinely curious, it comes across and disarms the person being asked. They feel they are being invited to participate, not questioned or interrogated. In this way, they are more at ease, more open, and volunteer more information.