Once the inhibition to ‘ask’ is eliminated, it is wise to work on asking the ‘right’ questions.
Asking the right questions is imperative to success. Take the following example:
You are looking for a team to help you in patent research and start with the following question:
How do I find the right gym to become fit?
That’s a great start! You probably know the answer to that question, too. But, have you been in a situation where you knew the answer to a question but did not get the desired result?
This above question, “How do I find the right gym to become fit?” is the perfect example of that situation because even when you find the right gym, it is highly probable that you won’t become fit. Wondering why?
Let me explain. Your question was wrong in the first place. The right question should be –
“How do I find the right trainer to become fit?”
What is the difference between the two, you may wonder? Essentially, it is the same difference, as between a vendor and a partner.
Have a look at these two interpretations:
• Vendor -> Vending Machine -> Gives you what you press the button for -> Is least concerned if you like it or not.
• Partner -> A partner is involved as much as you are involved and is working with you towards a common goal.
• Gym -> Equipment -> Gives you access to machines whether you know how to use them or not.
• Trainer -> A trainer, like a partner, is involved in your fitness routine as much as you are involved and is working with you towards a common goal.
An athlete hires a coach to prepare him to win the race. The coach is not a vendor but a partner, because the coach’s objective is to win the sport as much as you want.
I get to practice asking the right question, through trial and tribulation, when I enquire my six-year-old son about his day at the school. Merely asking him, ‘How was your day,’ never yields a satisfactory answer. In order to make him more forthcoming in his answers, I then ask him, ‘Which spot do you like the best in your school?’ This does the trick and he shares a long narrative about his school and what he enjoys and so on.
Asking the right question is like knocking on the right door. It saves time and efficiency in work, as well as, personal setting. Often, we expect to get the desired answer by asking a vague question. A good exercise in asking a relevant, pointed question is to write down the specific questions you need to ask your team or clients.
To Dos:
Maintain a diary where you list the exact questions to ask your clients, as well as, others to get satisfactory responses.
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