All leaders, whether student or professional, know that communication is crucial to success. There are many pieces to becoming a skilled communicator, including developing the knack for starting productive conversations. Many leaders focus on their ability to communicate their own thoughts clearly and concisely. But it is just as important, if not more so, to convince members at large to chime in with their own input. One of the most reliable ways to begin a dialogue is by asking deliberate questions.

Try these open-ended questions in your next meeting to encourage people to open up. (And remember, do not answer your own question. Let people have a minute or two of quiet to think. If the silence becomes awkward, try rephrasing.)

 

– What are your thoughts?

– How do you think we could achieve this?

– What might the next step be?

– What other issues are important to discuss?

– What kind of challenges are we facing right now?

– Where have you seen others having success recently?

– How do you think we can make this happen?

– What kind of goals should we keep in mind?

– What should be our top priority?

– What concerns do you have?

– Do you have anything to add?

Look for opportunities at your next meeting to encourage productive and energetic conversation. Then sit back and take it all in.