Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Dumb Questions — It Can Keep You Focused

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Dumb Questions — It Can Keep You Focused

Arguments and disagreements in the workplace are all but impossible to avoid. Strategy and business coach Lauren Bacon suggests that asking “dumb” questions can help move things forward.

Picture: Simon Blackley/Flickr

The key to success is to fully understand the cause of the deadlock. This avoids frayed tempers and helps move forward:

Don’t be afraid to be the dumbest person in the room. Loosen your hold on what you think you know, and ask questions that may seem to have obvious answers. You may want to use some disarming language: “At the risk of asking a stupid question, can someone tell me why we’re adding this feature?” “Do we have any leeway with this logo?” “What is essential to launch on the projected launch date?” Restating the fundamentals can have a galvanizing effect on your sense of purpose.

Lauren has other helpful hints, like trying to empathise with another party’s point of view. Click the link below to read the article in full.

5 Questions You’ll Need to Settle Workplace Disagreements [99u]


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