Open Question: When did you first notice that it was a challenge working with him?Ĭlosed Question: Will you be an asset to the company if we hire you? Open Question: What was it about Bob’s approach that seemed disruptive to you?Ĭlosed Question: Did you always feel that it was a challenge working with him?
They allow the person to expand on the topic rather than giving a simple yes or no response.Ĭlosed Question: So, you felt Bob’s approach was too disruptive? Asking clarifying questions shows that you’re actively listening and want to understand. Sometimes we need clarification when we want to get a better handle on where others are coming from. When You Want a Better Understanding of Someone’s Position If you’ve suggested a better, clearer path, the other person can simply agree and things can move forward with an unambiguous vision. When you lay out your summary, present the steps in the way you’d like to see things handled. Here’s a tip: Asking for clarification can serve as a subtle way of directing a project. To avoid that loop, start by explaining what you do understand and ask whether you have it right. When someone asks you to re-explain a complicated task, your first inclination is probably to say, “Wait, what? You want me to explain the whole thing all over again?” This dynamic can create a frustrating feedback loop for both parties. If the instructions someone sends you are about as clear as furniture assembly instructions written in something other than your native language, you’ll need to ask for help. Let’s take a look at some common cases that can come up in our work and personal lives and consider the best ways to respond. There are all kinds of situations where you might need to ask clarifying questions. Don’t make the other person flail around trying to figure out what you do understand and what you don’t. If there’s a specific thing that’s unclear to you, name it. If the conversation has been a lengthy or complex one, it can be helpful to give the other person a summary of what’s taken place up to this point. You’ll get a much better response from, “Would you explain that to me again?” than “That was as clear as mud!”
Don’t say anything that sounds accusatory. Don’t be vague, simply state that you don’t understand. Admitting you need more information makes the next step much easier for the person you ask. There are a few simple steps to follow when you’re looking for further explanation. Asking for clarification shows that you’re attentive and that you care enough to make sure you thoroughly understand what you’ve been told. In fact, guessing and getting it wrong is more likely to cause problems than politely asking for more info. Some time in your elementary school life, you may have had a teacher who said, “The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.” That stock teacher phrase couldn’t make things any clearer-it’s okay to ask for an explanation if you don’t understand.
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