Disheveled, yet persistent and friendly, Lieutenant Columbo (Peter Falk) of 70’s TV fame was famous for his shrewd case-solving capabilities.

photo credit: Lieutenant Columbo via photopin

His investigative style was to simply ask question after question, frustrating his suspects (and colleagues) to the point of wearing them down enough to drop their guard and show their hand.

“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.

Most of us don’t solve crimes for a living, however, we’re asked almost daily to come up with a solution for some personal or professional puzzle.

Everything seems so urgent now that we rush to conclusions faster than ever. But slowing down just a little can provide better details and insights.

Here are a few guidelines for asking good questions for almost any situation:

1. 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.
2. Ask a question, and be quiet. Let the subject think and answer.
3. For complicated subjects, don’t be afraid to ask for further clarification. The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask.
4. Ask for specifics. Details and examples are rich with answers.

Most important of all – stay curious and in the moment. Keep thinking “and then what?” When you get to the bottom of a problem, the solution’s probably not far away.

Have a great week.