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Quintessential Thought

“Any questions?” is a throw-away.

Next time you hear it, watch – you probably won’t see much response. Why is this?

Very few people take “Any questions?” as an invitation to engage in a meaningful feedback discussion; it’s said so often that people hear it as the closing of a topic or meeting, rather than an actual question.

It’s also so broad that many find it challenging to identify something in their thoughts that would be helpful to share, especially if it’s been 10+ minutes of input before they’re asked for questions. And are questions really the input we’re looking for?

But feedback is crucial for learning and growth, especially in complex situations. So, it’s worth considering what we can do to improve the feedback and input we get.

Quotes

"We all need people who will give us feedback. That's how we improve." - Bill Gates

“Ask the right questions, and the answers will always reveal themselves.” - Oprah Winfrey

“If you do not know how to ask the right question, you discover nothing.” - W. Edwards Deming

Quick Step

Yep, you get bonus steps today! Instead of one, you can pick from these three ways to power up your feedback requests:

1. Shift the language: Instead of "questions," ask for comments, thoughts, feedback, input, or reactions. This opens the door to broader contributions, not just questions.

2. Assume value: "Any questions?" suggests your audience might have nothing to offer. Try "What are your thoughts?" or "What are you wondering?" to show you expect valuable insights.

3. Be specific: Don't leave them guessing what feedback you seek. Ask about specific aspects of the discussion, missing points, expected responses, or powerful next steps.

Question

What’s the most critical area where you need feedback or input?

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