Ask Questions to Improve your Productivity

The only foolish question is the one that was never asked!

When you are in a new situation or circumstance, or when you are beginning a new project or working with a new client; the best way to increase productivity – your and everyone else’s is to ask questions. Some questions need to be asked of others and some of yourself. Ask, Ask, Ask until you are confident that you have a firm grasp. Do not wait until something goes wrong to ask for clarification!

Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers. – Anthony Robbins

Possible questions to get you started:

• Why are we doing this?
• What is the desired outcome?
• When is our deadline or when are periodic checkpoints?
• What is my role?
• Who is responsible or accountable for which tasks or projects?
• Do we have metrics or some form of measurement?
• What are the possible roadblocks or obstacles?
• What are the available resources?
• What is the level of priority of this project?
• Who are the key players or participants?
• What is the hierarchy?
• What is the atmosphere like?
• What is expected of me?
• What is my role or “job”?
• What do I need to be more comfortable?

Asking questions is a valuable tool in business and in life. We need to first be clear where we are going and what is expected of us before we can really accomplish anything. This often overlooked strategy can make the difference between success and failure.