Ask a Simple Question, Get Everything But the Answer

Has it ever happened that you ask someone, what seems to be a simple question, and they dont seem to be able to give you a straight answer?

Do you wonder if you are not communicating clearly?

There are a number of factors that can have an impact on the person you asked the question of. Once you have determined that the question was not unreasonable, was understandable and you are clear on what your goal is in seeking the answer, its time to consider other conditions the recipient of the question may be facing to determine how you can get the answer you need.

For example, I asked a producer for a date that the commercials we were working on would be ready. His response was 3 emails. The first said that he just received the information last night at 5pm. The second, the order was not in yet. The third, theyll be ready middle of next week. None of those answers was what I required to be confident in telling the client when he could hear his commercials.

1. When you require a specific answer, provide specific parameters in the question, and be open to negotiate terms.

2. Ask if there is anything you can do to make it easier for them to give you an answer.

3. Give as much information as possible without adding unnecessary information. Maybe the most they can decide on at that time is "when" they can give you an answer, so give them that opportunity. i.e. I need an answer by Date.

4. If your question has more than one part break it up into individual questions.

5. Listen more closely to what the person you are speaking to is saying. Ask a question rather than jumping in with a comment or getting right back to your own agenda.

6. Ask for feedback in the conversation.

7. If its an email communication .sometimes email just wont do itpick up the phone and talk.

8. Dont rush themplan sufficient time so they dont feel pressured.

9. Ask yourself if you are putting up any barriers? Does the person feel there is a right and wrong answer and they are going to be judged for giving the wrong one? Do they feel you are trying to control them or set their schedule? Although your intent may not be any of these, is it possible that they might construe it that way?

10. Ask for their help. Someone who feels as if they are more alright, more knowledgeable, more in control about whatever it is than you are, is more likely to rise to occasion to prove that you were right to ask them for help.

11. If they respond in an emotional manner, acknowledge that you understand that they could feel that way. It doesnt mean that you agree or that you would act the same way in that situation. It does mean that you heard what they said and arent judging them for it.

12. Show genuine appreciation for what they know, who they are and/or what they can do, make them feel included in the process.

13. Finally, if none of those things work, just state the facts and the consequences if you dont get the information you require by x date/time.

Copyright 2006 Nancy Fraser, Nota Bene Consulting, All rights reserved

For over 20 years, Nancy Fraser has worked with business owners to improve their marketing communication and advertising results. If your results are less than stellar, contact Nancy and her team to work with you to ramp up your results. http://www.notable-marketing.com

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