Why to question like a child, not a policeman

As a consultant and coach, I often have to meet people to help them address a performance issue. Often, what the issue is might look fairly clear. Nevertheless, I cannot afford to assume, and it is then that I remember to ask children’s questions rather than policemen’s questions.

The policeman interrogating a suspect begins with a theory and then sets out to prove that it is right. His questions seek to confirm the theory and uncover evidence that supports it. Loaded questions will predominate. If I take this approach when coaching someone, I risk the hidden truths eluding me. I could end up trying to help address an issue which doesn’t exist.

What distinguishes children’s questions is that they are asked without any idea what the answer will be. They are the most reliable way to cut through preconceptions and get a clear picture of what is really going on.

When you turn your policemen’s questions into children’s questions, you increase your chances significantly of finding the truth.

Comments

[James]

Thats a really good tip, thanks.