Consulting & supporting by asking questions

Here are some question techniques that go beyond open and closed questions. These can be helpful in feedback sessions, workshops, when advising colleagues, etc...

Solution- and resource-oriented questions

These are questions that focus on available resources and solutions. They encourage reflection on what worked before, what was tried, and which skills and chances are still hidden.

Example questions:

  • How would the perfect [insert relevant context] look?
  • When was it good? What was the significant difference?
  • What is different when it’s working?
  • Who could help you with this?
  • Which of your skills are especially helpful?

Scaling/Rating questions

Scaling or rating questions ask individuals to evaluate something on a numerical scale, such as from 1 to 10.

Example questions:

  • On a scale of 1-10 how proud are you of your work?
  • Where do you want to be on this scale in two month?
  • What needs to happen in order to come one step closer to 10?

Circular questions

Circular questions shift perspective by asking how others might view or react to a situation.

Example questions:

  • How would your colleague describe the situation?
  • What would your boss say if you behaved differently in that situation?

Hypothetical questions

Hypothetical questions are useful for exploring future scenarios, expanding understanding of a system, and considering potential solutions by removing current limitations.

Example questions:

  • What if money/time is not a limiting factor? How would you handle this situation?
  • If you knew you couldn't fail, what would you try?
  • If the problem isn't solved in 6 months, what consequences would it have?

Paradox questions

They emphasize the problem which can help to bring up ideas for solving the problem.

Example questions:

  • What needs to happen that your boss fires you?
  • How can you manage to come even less motivated to work?
  • What needs to happen so that the project definitively fails?
  • How could you make sure that no innovation ever happens within your team?
  • What is the most effective way to get completely ignored in meetings?