Last week’s bootcamp was an interesting one for me. I really struggled through the exercise of designing a collaborative. At the end of the boot camp, I realized that part of the reason I struggled was that I didn’t ask the right questions to get clarity of thought. In the beginning I realized that I had failed to ask basic questions which lead to a lot of confusion in the end. This sounds silly, but this is something that I struggle with. Asking clarifying questions and clearing up assumptions are very important. And although they take time up front, they save a lot of time in the end. Lesson learned: I will continue to practice the art of questions!
lauren, 
Natalie, 
rapetzel, and 1 other are discussing.
Eugene Eric Kim 6:11 am on July 10, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I hate the word “failed” in this situation, Lauren. Remember ground rule #1. Asking these fundamental questions is a huge part of the practice. Very few people do it well, not because they’re not capable, but because they get distracted by other things.
I think one of the reasons the workout last week didn’t work so well was that it was very multilayered. I wanted all of you to be paying attention to many things at once, too many things as it turned out. It’s a good reminder to me to keep things simple and focused.
lauren 4:21 am on July 12, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I agree Eugene- I don’t like the word failed (because I know I didn’t fail!). Are there any tools or exercises you can share about asking good questions that you could share with me and the group? I would really like to work on asking good questions in the moment.
rapetzel 7:56 pm on July 10, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Lauren! I’ve struggled with this as well. Particularly in professional contexts, there is a stigma against asking clarifying questions because we don’t want to seem dumb! I was just recalling an instance when one client was “surprised” by how well I did in a meeting because all my questions up front left them concerned I didn’t really get it. But, it was worth it! Because those questions also resulted in me designing an effective experience for the client. Often the act of asking those questions helps the group align and uncover trouble they didn’t even know was there. So long story short, this isn’t silly at all. I completely relate, and recognizing that puts you light years ahead of so many others.
Natalie 4:03 am on July 12, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Yup. Many a time I’ve been thought an idiot for asking “obvious” questions, only to uncover that people were 1) talking about different problems, or 2) using terminology differently, or 3) pursuing completely different goals during the conversation. People can be far too quick to judge those who ask clarifying questions.
lauren 4:23 am on July 12, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thank you Natalie and Rebecca. I feel SO much better! I will continue to ask clarifying questions! Do you have any tips you can share with me for asking good questions in the moment? This is something I would really like to work on.