Open-Ended Questions
Invite depth with 'what' and 'how' prompts.
Explanation
Questions that can be answered with 'yes' or 'no' shut down conversation. Questions that start with 'what,' 'how,' or 'why' invite people to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. This is how you discover what's really happening, uncover hidden problems, and make people feel heard. Great leaders spend more time asking questions than giving answers because questions engage people's thinking.
Real-World Example
Closed: 'Is the project on track?' Answer: 'Yes.' (Learns nothing) Open: 'What challenges are you facing with the project?' Answer: Reveals three hidden blockers you can now help with. 'How might we improve this?' gets better ideas than 'Here's what we should do.'
How to Apply
Start with: What, How, Why (careful—can sound accusatory). Avoid: Is, Do, Can, Will (usually yes/no). Follow up: 'Tell me more about...' 'What else?' 'How did that affect...?' Silence after asking—let them think. Count to 5 before speaking. Best insight comes after pause.