How To Ask Better Questions At Work?

Asking questions is critical to learning, especially for Gen Z who are young and dynamic, and knowing how to ask better questions at work can help you better understand your job and improve as an employee. In addition, asking good questions to place good impressions on your co-workers can help you in other ways. There are concrete steps you can take to formulate good questions and obtain the information you seek.

In this article, we will discuss the advantages of asking better questions at work, outline 6 steps you can take to ask more effective questions, and provide some pointers for improving your overall approach to questioning.

For Gen Z, you can be confused on first day at work

Benefits of asking right questions at work

In addition to getting specific answers, asking questions can help you in other ways. Some of the advantages of asking better questions at work include:

• Opportunities to learn: By maintaining a growth mindset, you can think positively about asking questions to help you improve your job performance and be better prepared to deal with problems that arise.
• Creating a positive work environment: Making it a habit to ask questions can help others feel comfortable enough to ask questions that will benefit the entire workplace. Inquiring can also help to foster a trusting and honest workplace.
• Showing your desire to improve: By asking great questions, you can demonstrate to your colleagues and supervisors that you want to do better at your job. It’s a step to be recognizable at work.
• Making new professional connections: You can strengthen your relationships with people at work. Some people may be willing to answer your questions in the future, which will make them valuable professional contacts.

How to ask better questions at work

1. Keep your questions simple

The first step is to try to keep your questions as simple as possible. You can make it easier for people to understand and respond to your questions by using simple language and keeping them brief. You could be looking for advice, facts, or an opinion. Choose the type of answer that best fits the information you need to draft your question.

Moreover, think about who you need to ask in order to get the kind of answer you want during this step. Depending on the nature of your inquiry, you may wish to consult a colleague, a supervisor, a mentor, or another professional source.

Be straightforward and simple

2. Find the right person

Select the right person to ask for help. That person is determined by what you want to learn. Contact the individual and ask if they are available and willing to answer some of your questions.

To understand all perspectives, it can also be beneficial to ask someone you might not normally ask. For example, even if an interviewer is a good person to ask about the job, they may only note the positives. You could gain a more objective perspective on the company by conversing with other employees through networking sites.

When asking questions, make sure to speak clearly so that your question is understandable. Be straight and clear about your questions to make them easier for people to understand and respond to.

3. Be a good listener

Once you’ve asked a question, pay close attention to the response. Use active listening skills, including feedback. Try not to interrupt the person answering your question; instead, save any questions or comments for after they have finished answering. Make sure the person knows you’re paying attention. To demonstrate your interest, use nonverbal cues such as nodding, smiling, and maintaining eye contact. Ask probing follow-up questions to clarify any misunderstandings, and paraphrase what they said to ensure comprehension.

Listening carefully can help you fully understand the answer and obtain the information you require. Furthermore, being a good listener can demonstrate to the person answering your question that you appreciate their response and are interested in what they have to say.

4. Ask follow-up questions

Another important step toward asking better questions at work is to ask follow-up questions. After your partner has responded to your question and you’ve given them some thought, you can ask them follow-up questions.

Follow-up questions can help you learn more about a topic while also showing your partner that you respect and value their response. This can help you make meaningful professional connections with people you can ask for advice in the future.

Interacting with your co-workers by asking follow-up questions

5. Use the right tone

The right tone can mean the difference between receiving the correct answer to your question and receiving no response at all. When asking questions, use a respectful tone as well as appropriate language. Understand that you are requesting their time and expertise. 

6. Be polite and thankful

Be polite when asking questions from your co-workers. No one wants to respond to rude questions. Try not to put them in an awkward or uncomfortable situation. Instead, make sure your questions are well-intentioned and are asked in the appropriate context.

Thank someone for their time and information they have given to you. Expressing your gratitude can make it easier to ask for their assistance again if you need it. Appreciation also fosters an overarching culture of questioning, allowing others to approach you when they don’t know how to solve a problem.