4 Types Of Questions To Win At Work

Gaining an awareness of the types of questions you ask will not only help you obtain more accurate responses and strengthen connections, but it will also help you avoid misleading others or, worse, avoid the dreaded communication problems.

1. Rhetorical Questions

These questions don’t actually require a response. Simply put, they’re statements framed as questions to arouse interest in the topic at hand.

For instance, ‘isn’t it pleasant to work with such a friendly group?’ is more engaging than ‘this group is friendly,’ which does not need a reply to engage mentally.

Application: Persuading, Building Engagement

2. Funnel Questions

These questions start broad and then focus down on a single issue.

When we meet someone for the first time, we typically begin with closed questions such as ‘what is your name?’ before expanding into more open-ended ones, such as ‘how did you decide to become a doctor?’

Application: Diffuse tension, Build Relationships

3. Loaded Questions

These are closed questions with a variation. They make a presumption about the reply.

For instance, ‘have you ceased being sarcastic?’ Assumes responder was sarcastic in the past. The responder will eventually admit to being sarcastic whether she says yes or no.

Application: Discovering Facts

4. Leading Questions

These are intended to direct the response in a desired positive or negative direction.

For example, “do you have any concerns about the project?” quietly nudges the respondent in the direction of a negative answer.

These may also include an attempt to compel the respondent to agree.

For example, ‘isn’t this project progressing nicely?’

Application: Buy-ins