Yesterday we discussed questions you should ask during key situations in a business meeting. As we established, asking questions usually makes you a more engaged and appreciated participant. But not all questions are alike. Here are a few questions you need to reconsider before asking:
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- “Who are the presenters, and what company are they from?” It behooves you to prepare before a meeting. Before walking in the door, know the players, their background, and essential facts about their company.
- “Maybe I wasn’t listening, but …” Don’t admit that you have not been engaged. Instead, ask for clarification without offering up your own inattentiveness.
- “Am I the only one who thinks this way?” If you allow yourself to be flailing about alone, you may remain there. Instead, frame your question with, “Help me understand more.”
- “Do we really need to hear any more opinions?” Don’t close down a meeting before you allow people to talk. Gathering a diversity of opinions is essential to making a wise decision.
- “Are we going to talk about this later?” Tabling an issue for “the meeting after the meeting” negates the purpose of the session. Don’t waste peoples’ time by failing to bring up an important issue.
- “Did I do OK?” If you want feedback, ask for advice, not a pat on the back. Most people will not tell you to your face, “No, you did not do well.” However, they will offer constructive input.
Remember, there actually are dumb questions. Or, at the very least, there are questions that are better rephrased, especially in a meeting with your business colleagues.