It’s not enough to simply ask open questions and follow up questions, for leaders to avoid the knowledge trap they need to consider the mix of questions they ask.
IMD Professors of Strategy Arnaud Chevallier and Frédéric Dalsace identified four types of questions that you should be asking based on behavioral science research and interviews with top executives:
- productive questions, to pace the decision making,
- analytical questions, to address root cause and find granular solutions
- creative questions, to fuel innovative thinking and solutions
- sensemaking questions, to develop insight and keep momentum
“We think that the types of questions each use is the result of our individual trajectories. In other words, we each grow into asking some questions more than others,” says Chevallier.
“But maybe this path-dependent process can be improved,” says Dalsace. “Have you ever thought about which question you ask and which question you use? What happens if you don’t ask some questions?”.
Successful executives often underutilize at least one type of question causing blind spots that can lead to an incomplete picture. While there is no perfect balance of a questions mix, all leaders should be asking at least some questions from each category. It is therefore important to step back and evaluate whether you are doing this.
The good news is most executives have found that once they evaluated their question mix and identified weak spots, it has been pretty easy to improve upon it, either individually or as a team.
Tackling burnout, financial stress, and poor health takes more than yoga. Discover new research on strategies that truly improve employee well-being.
Are you struggling to lead successfully in the face of relentless disruption and uncertainty? Now’s the time to master the art of strategic thinking, starting with these six key skills. Are you struggling to lead successfully in the face of relent...
Here is why businesses that embrace AI-driven sustainability will be better positioned to meet market demands and tackle global challenges like climate change.
An easy-to-use tool can help executives assess and manage the impact of stakeholders on the creation and destruction of value.
Medical experts have long warned about alcohol's risks, and now the drinks industry is embracing sobriety, investing in innovative alcohol-free drinks alternatives.
No single leader or business function can drive progress toward net zero. Knut Haanaes identifies six ways in which CHROs can help drive organizational change. No single leader or business function can drive progress toward net zero. Knut Haanaes ...
No single leader or business function can drive progress toward net zero. Knut Haanaes identifies six ways in which CHROs can help drive organizational change.
President Trump's energy policies aim to boost competitiveness for US businesses, but risk ceding market dominance in renewable energy and electric vehicles to China.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications