asking the right questions 4
Convincing others to buy into an idea, a product, or an initiative requires listening and communicating effectively. Asking the right questions can help people to open up and to discuss upcoming changes more freely, while understanding that they have a voice in the process.
Scenario: Your company has developed a new initiative or product, or it is introducing a change to technology or personnel that will affect your team and its daily working environment. You are tasked with gathering buy-in from your team, as well as learning if they have any objections to this initiative.
You call a meeting with your team:
- Briefly describe the new initiative and why it is important (e.g. a reorganization, a new product, a new technology, etc.)
- Draft three (3) questions for your team designed to gain buy-in and support for this new initiative
Next, share your communication strategy with us:
- How will you know if your questioning was effective?
- Your team needs to know they have a voice – during this meeting, how did you let them know you are listening to them and that their opinion matters?