Clarifying Questions
Ask specific questions to eliminate ambiguity.
Explanation
Most miscommunications happen because we assume we understand when we don't. Clarifying questions surface these hidden assumptions and prevent costly mistakes. They're especially important when dealing with abstract concepts, timelines, responsibilities, or requirements. Better to ask a 'dumb' question than make a smart mistake.
Real-World Example
Vague request: 'Please prepare a report on customer satisfaction.' Clarifying questions: 'Which time period should I cover? Do you want quantitative data, qualitative feedback, or both? Who's the audience? When do you need it? Any specific format requirements?'
How to Apply
Ask about scope: 'What specifically should I include/exclude?' Ask about timelines: 'When do you need this by? Is that a hard deadline?' Ask about standards: 'What would success look like?' Ask about context: 'Who will be using this information?' Don't assume—verify understanding of key terms.