A better question starter.

How do you typically start questions when you’re in conversation with others?

If you’re like most of us, we often start questions with “why…”

And it turns our that starting a question with "why" often prompts a defensive response.

If you'd like to uncover what's really going on, try starting your questions with "what," instead. It will help your conversation partner think more clearly and express themselves more readily.

For example:

Rather than "why did you make that choice?" ❌

Try "what factors led you to make that choice?" ✅

Rather than "why are you struggling to complete your tasks on time?" ❌

Try "what about this deadline is challenging?" ✅

Rather than "why are you so quiet in our team meetings?" ❌

Try "what about our meetings makes you less likely to speak up?" ✅

What do you think? Are you willing to give it a try?

And while we're at it, I'm curious ... what about your current workplace communication do you find challenging?