Guessing is not a strategy: How to build decision velocity with AI and real-time data
June 10, 2026 | Live Webinar
Mastering the Art of Inquiry
You receive massive amounts of information every day. But are you getting the information you really need? Do you know how to ask the right questions and actively listen to the answers -- whatever they may be -- in order to gain the knowledge and insights you need to be successful?
There are two types of questions: open and closed. Open questions encourage people to share information in a free flowing manner. Closed questions solicit specific information, such as "What is your name?" and "Where is the train station?" Most of us are comfortable asking closed questions because the answers are helpful and straightforward.
But when you ask an open question and listen carefully to the answer, you may discover something you were not expecting. In fact, the answer might challenge your assumptions and require you to adjust to new circumstances.
If, for example, a team member did something that didn’t turn out well, you could ask him why he did it. That is an open question, but unless you ask it in a supportive, non-threatening way, he could become defensive. A more productive open question might be, "Can you tell me what you were thinking about when you did it?" His answer to that question will shed greater light on his motives and intentions and give you more of the information you need to help him make better decisions.
Basic journalism techniques such as asking who, …
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"All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure." - Mark Twain |