Asking questions at work isn’t just about getting answers. Sure, you need the information you’re requesting, but you’re also showing your colleagues and leaders how you think. When your questions are strategic, clear, and well-timed, they can show that you’re insightful and committed to moving the work forward while also demonstrating you have leadership potential.

Amy G talks with a program manager who wants to get better at asking questions that show executive presence. They’re joined by Harvard Business School professor Alison Wood Brooks, who shares research-backed advice on navigating the complexities of workplace conversations.

Guest expert:

Alison Wood Brooks is a professor at Harvard Business School and the author of TALK: The Science Of Conversation And The Art Of Being Ourselves.

Resources:

“The Surprising Power of Questions,” by Alison Wood Brooks and Leslie K. John
“Best of IdeaCast: To Build Stronger Teams, Ask Better Questions,” by IdeaCast
“Why Asking for Advice Is More Effective Than Asking for Feedback,” by Jaewon Yoon et al.
“The Essentials: Getting the Feedback You Need,” by Women at Work

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

The Essentials: Asking Purposeful Questions