Quick Question: Why do we need more information?
Quick Question
Here is today's quick question for you...Why do we need more information?
Ask it when you're...
Procrastinating - Feeling analysis paralysis. Asking for more data is a common (and sometimes unconscious) delay tactic when colleagues are unsure about committing to a decision. Asking why can help uncover the source of their discomfort and identify the specific purpose for the extra information.
Approving spend on data purchases - this ensures that your team has sharpened the focus of their questions and that their specification will be money well spent to produce the required answers.
Navigating a tricky HR issue - often, when navigating tricky ‘people stuff’ there’s a tendency to ‘get to the bottom of the situation’. No doubt, some situations demand a thorough investigation. Other times, once the issue has been identified, it can be more productive to focus on solutions rather than putting my information in ‘the file’.
Listen for...
There’s always a trade-off between the time delays of seeking more information and the benefits and risks of more immediate action. Leadership wisdom is understanding the trade-off and making an active choice.
Try to listen for:
Hesitation and confusion - if it feels like the conversation is going around in circles, more information is not likely to help.
Clarity and connection - a clearly articulated request that uses the additional data to connect the question with the answer.
Facts and Feelings - don’t forget to notice and acknowledge how your people feel during a tough situation. Ensuring they feel heard can reduce their need to keep giving you more information and help them focus on next steps.
This question helps maintain discipline around recognising that we know enough to move forward while balancing the risk of moving too fast.
Follow up with...
Sometimes, the greatest value comes from the one extra question you take the time to ask.
In this situation, you could try…
What will this enable us to do better?
What is the easiest way to access the information?
How will this reduce our risk?
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