Great managers have a little-mentioned knowing when and how to turn a tough situation around with a question instead of being caught at a loss for words.Asking the right question at the right time is a career-building skill that can be easily learned, thanks to this valuable new guide. It gives you more than 500 word-for-word questions for responding to virtually any conceivable on-the-job situation.Covering all types of day-to-day encounters, this practical problem-solver will help you focus your ideas and give you confidence, build rapport with those around you, and bridge conflicting views, strengthen relationships with upper management, and deflect anger and hostility.You'll discover, step-by-step, exactly what to do and say to clarify problems, solve misunderstandings, and avoid saying something damaging or inappropriate. This book may become the most valuable career resource you own!
Asking the right question is an essential tenet of the coaching process and is extremely effective in influencing and getting along with others. In this book, the authors explain why they call "the magic of questions" and then provide examples of "555 powerful questions to use for getting your way at work. The vast majority of these examples are relevant to today's workplace and furnish a useful reference tool when you are stumped on how to deal with a difficult situation.
The questions are organized by topic ranging from Satisfying Bosses to Getting Promotions and Raises, Working Together, Selling Your Ideas, Resolving Conflict, etc. All of these scenarios are familiar to anyone who has worked in business or other fields of endeavor. Questions around job interviewing were particularly helpful and relevant.
I would recommend this book to keep in your desk drawer and refer to it as various situations crop up. With a little practice, I think you will find that a well constructed question that elicits thought from the other person is much better than stating an opinion or worse yet, bashing the other person over the head with your viewpoint. Unless the question is very aggressive, people will not get defensive if they feel the question is not a leading one with a "gotcha" as its goal. Win/win should be the ultimate objective in every interpersonal encounter for enduring and fruitful relationships.