In a recent newsletter, I discussed the importance of asking specific questions rather than generic ones.
The issue resonated with many of you and sparked some insightful conversations.
Building on that idea, I wanted to share another suggestion on asking better questions:
Focus on the future rather than the past.
Asking questions that are future-focused helps shift attention towards what can be done next, fostering a proactive mindset.
Instead of dwelling on past events and mistakes, these questions encourage action and planning, empowering your team to move forward with clarity and purpose.
This subtle shift in questioning not only inspires progress but also cultivates a positive and solution-oriented work environment.
The Power of Questions
Many leaders unintentionally anchor people’s attention in the past by asking questions that focus on what has already happened.
For example, imagine a scenario where an employee on your team comes to you because they need help resolving a conflict with someone working on a cross-functional team they are leading. If you ask questions like:
- What happened?
- What did they say?
- What did you do?
You are anchoring the person’s attention in the past.
Questions like these can inspire long winded venting sessions that go nowhere and stir up emotions that aren’t helpful.
However, if in that moment you ask:
- What are you going to do about it?
- How can you approach them about the conflict?
- What outcome are you after?
You shift the person’s attention into the future and keep them moving forward.
The simple act of asking a future-focused question can completely shift the whole conversation and inspire others to act.
The Benefits of Future-Focused Questions
There are so many benefits to asking future-focused questions. Here are just a few:
- They Help Others Move Forward – Future-focused questions encourage individuals to look ahead, fostering a mindset geared toward progress and solution-finding. This shift in perspective helps team members move past obstacles and focus on what can be done next.
- They Inspire Action – By directing attention to future actions and outcomes, these questions inspire individuals to take proactive steps. This not only leads to immediate problem-solving but also cultivates a habit of forward-thinking and continuous improvement.
- They Improve People’s Emotional State – Considering the future invites individuals to think about possibilities and potential solutions, which can be uplifting and empowering. This positive shift in emotional state can enhance overall morale and reduce feelings of frustration or helplessness.
- They Help Teams Create and Build Momentum – When a team consistently focuses on future actions and outcomes, it builds a culture of momentum. This forward-thinking approach helps maintain energy and drive, making it easier to navigate challenges and achieve goals.
Practical Suggestions for Future-Focused Questions
Adopting a practice of asking future-focused questions may require some adjustments in your communication habits. Here are three practical suggestions to help you make this shift:
- Anticipate Future Scenarios: Before meetings or one-on-one sessions, think about potential future scenarios and frame your questions accordingly. For instance, instead of asking “What problems did you encounter last week?”, consider asking “What steps can we take to prevent problems next week?”
- Frame Questions Around Goals: Focus your questions on future goals and desired outcomes. Replace a question like “Why did this project fall behind?” with “What can we do to ensure this project stays on track moving forward?”
- Encourage Planning and Strategy: Use your questions to promote planning and strategic thinking. Instead of asking “What went wrong?”, ask “What is your plan to address this issue, and how can we support you in implementing it?”
By integrating these strategies into your daily interactions, you can shift towards asking more future-focused, insightful questions that not only enhance communication but also drive better outcomes.
Conclusion
If you’re eager to refine your questioning skills and cultivate a more engaging leadership style, there’s no better time to begin than now. The process of asking better questions can significantly enhance how you interact and connect with your team, leading to more effective leadership and improved team dynamics.
How to Get Started Today
If you’d like to elevate your communication skills and make impactful changes in your communication style, I invite you to explore my Subtle Shifts Coaching Program.
This program isn’t just about broad leadership principles—it’s a bespoke solution designed to refine your specific capabilities and enhance your influence. To learn more, schedule a meeting.
If you have a team that would benefit from communication training, I also offer a 90-minute masterclass called Subtle Shifts in Communication. To schedule a masterclass, let’s talk.
