NICK WRIGHT
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Questions about questions

24/3/2023

10 Comments

 
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‘The smart ones ask when they don’t know. And, sometimes, when they do.’ (Malcolm Forbes)

We sometimes discover in new Action Learning sets that participants are unsure about the distinction between questions for clarification and questions for exploration. Participants may wonder, similarly, if and when closed and open questions should be used. This can lead to all kinds of awkward mental and linguistic gymnastics such as, for instance, wanting to ask a simple question for information, yet trying hard to frame it as an open question.

I find that one useful way to mark the difference between clarification and exploration questions is to consider, ‘Who is the answer to the question for?’ If I ask a question for clarification, the answer is for me, so that I will know or understand something better. If I ask a question for exploration, it’s offered as a gift that may, I hope, enable another person to gain insight and know or understand something more deeply or broadly for themselves.

We also sometimes discover that participants get a bit stuck when thinking about how to transition from questions for exploration to questions for action. They may wonder if, for instance, questions for action are questions for exploration that focus on action. I find a useful way to mark this shift is to think of questions for exploration as divergent (opening out) and questions for action as convergent (drawing together, to enable a close).

What we see here is that what makes a good question in Action Learning is determined less by rules about the structure of a question itself (e.g. whether it is an open or a closed question), and more by the focus and orientation of questions at each stage of the process. Participants pose questions in service of the presenter and, at the end of the day, it’s for the presenter to decide which land usefully for them or enable a shift towards a solution.
10 Comments
Martin Jäger
24/3/2023 04:21:42 pm

Hallo Nick, hast du Beispiele für die unterschiedlichen Fragen?

Reply
Nick Wright
24/3/2023 04:47:30 pm

Hallo Martin. Vielen Dank für deine Frage zur Klärung. Ein Beispiel für eine Klärungsfrage: „Ist X dein Chef?“ Ein Beispiel für eine Erkundungsfrage: "Was bedeutet der Weggang deines Chefs für dich?" Ein Beispiel für eine Handlungsfrage: "Was ist dein nächster Schritt?"

Reply
Hans Vogel
26/3/2023 03:37:57 pm

You write nonsensical. "The smart ones ask when they don’t know. And, sometimes, when they do". Why ask if they already know??

Reply
Nick Wright
26/3/2023 03:41:27 pm

Hi Hans. I can think of at least 2 good reasons: (1) Helping a person or group to think through an issue in order to find and create their own solutions can be developmental and capacity-building; (2) '‘I don’t know’ is a leadership act that invites others in.' (Ana Karakusevic)

Reply
Megan Moorse
26/3/2023 03:43:41 pm

This has helped me Nick. I lead action learning sets and often find people asking these questions. I sometimes don't know how to answer. For example, is it OK to ask a closed question during the exploration phase. You answer makes this clearer. Thank you!!

Reply
Nick Wright
26/3/2023 03:49:56 pm

Hi Megan. Thanks for your encouraging feedback. I'm pleased you found it useful!

Reply
Laura Westwood
26/3/2023 03:49:13 pm

I love action learning. As a therapist, I ask exploratory questions. I'm asking so I can find a solution for the client to whatever they are dealing with. I need to think more about your idea "Who is the answer to the question for?"

I find it hard to think of action questions. Can you help?

Reply
Nick Wright
26/3/2023 03:51:39 pm

Thank you, Laura. Yes, I love action learning too! On useful action questions, have a glance at: https://www.nick-wright.com/blog/landing. Let me know what you think?

Reply
Andy Lanning
16/4/2023 07:55:10 am

Nick - you make my brain hurt!! ;)

Reply
Nick Wright
16/4/2023 07:55:46 am

Erm...thank you, Andy (I think)!

Reply



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    ​Nick Wright

    ​I'm a psychological coach, trainer and OD consultant. Curious to discover how can I help you? ​Get in touch!

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