Persistent, disheveled, and friendly, Lieutenant Columbo (Peter Falk) of 70’s TV was famous for his shrewd case-solving
capabilities. His investigative style was to simply ask question after question that would methodically reveal the solution to the crime. “One more thing” was his catch phrase that he delivered right before asking a final zinger of a question designed to throw his suspect completely off balance.
Few of us will ever be called on to solve a crime, however, we’re asked almost everyday to come up with a solution for some personal or professional problem. Good questions can provide the insight and inputs you need to learn and act.
As business journalists, we ask questions designed to reveal important details and perspective. We’re looking for nuggets that will better explain decisions and outcomes.
Here are a few guidelines for asking good questions – for almost any situation:
- Use questions that begin with “what was it like” and “help me understand” – open-ended questions that get people talking in their own words, without restrictions.
- Ask a question, and be quiet. Let the person think and answer.
- For complicated subjects, don’t be afraid to ask for further clarification. The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask.
- Ask for specifics. Details and implications are rich with answers.
Most important of all – stay curious and in the moment. Keep thinking “and then what?” Play out the scenario to the nth degree so you can get to the bottom of a problem – and its solution.
Sign up for The Sunday Snippet!
Good ideas to help you prosper delivered fresh each Sunday morning.