To learn effectively, asking questions, listening, and asking further questions are imperative steps. In fact, the quality of the questions you ask will determine the quality of your learning. With effective learning, the insights garnered can help you discern what must be done to tackle the challenges at hand.
Let’s consider that you have a high performing staff who has been down with the flu three times this month, something unheard of in the past. Her illness and its ramifications deeply concern you. What would you do to help her find an effective way to address this issue? Questions. Here are some examples.
- Did anything in your life change shortly before you became ill?
- What have the symptoms of the flu been?
- How might have you gotten the flu?
- Have you seen a doctor?
- What did the doctor say? Anything serious?
- What has the doctor prescribed? Do you think the medication is working?
- What seems to be helping you recover?
- How do you feel now?
- Is there anything I can do to help you with your transition back to work?
- What seems to be the reason behind your recurring illness? Could it be related to your work, to personal issues, or to something else?
- Are you able to tell me about your typical, day-to-day routine?
- Do you get good rest in the evening?
- Is anything keeping you awake late? Any concerns at the moment?
Usually, the most important question to ask yourself and others is this: Is what you see on the surface (what’s visible) the real problem, or is it an outcome of a deeper problem? In short, is the problem a symptom or the root cause? This is a critical question because it will help you to determine whether the problem is a technical or adaptive challenge. If what you see on the surface is indeed the root problem, then the solution will probably be equally evident.
