The Power of a Question

Several years ago, I was taught a lesson that has stuck with me and changed the way I interact with my co-workers.

Generally speaking, the advice goes something like this:

“Genuinely seek interest in what others find interesting. Ask them a question that allows them to share what they are passionate about.”

The most recent example I have is from just a few days ago. I was refilling my coffee cup with a little more “liquid attention span” when a colleague approached. We exchanged pleasantries and before the awkward silence could settle in I asked what was new in his project. I’m not a recluse, I have a general idea of what is happening in each of the project groups, but I wanted to know what he found most interesting by letting him tell me what was going on.

The unobservant passerby may have missed the change in my colleague’s demeanor, but there was a noticeable positive shift in his tone. He turned to make eye contact and shared his excitement about a new feature he was working on. I learned – not only what work he was looking forward to – but also a few things about the project that had changed since I last got an update.

A simple and informal question, like this one, often proves very beneficial. As a peer, I’m building a stronger relationship with my coworkers and learning the strengths and passions of those around me; as a leader, the answer can help shed light on the health of a project at a non-technical level. You may have a capable team, but if the members are not passionate about the work, you’re likely to have more bugs and a less creative solution. The final quality of your product is greatly influenced by the outlook of each team member and a short conversation is an inexpensive way to gauge the current status.

Admittedly, I’m not an expert – after all, I am still a socially awkward engineer. However, every conversation is an opportunity to improve working relationships, solve a problem, or even make a new friend to have a pint with. At the very least, each conversation can be a building block to the next.