A vital question

When doing employment interviewing (on either side of the table), a vital question often goes unasked. The question is "Is there anything else I should know?" The corollary to this from the interviewer to the candidate is "Is there anything else you want to ask?" Many times, the interviewer(s)have prepared a set of thoughtful questions - but there may be other issues on the candidate's mind. The candidate may be hesitant to ask them because he assumes the interview is over. If the interview is an exit interview, a question to be asked might be, "Is there anything else the company should know about the reasons you are leaving?" Candidates who are resigning may have other issues on their minds that could prevent others from leaving as well. Sales meetings should also ask this question. The purchaser may have had poor experiences with a competitor, but be hesitant to say something. Perhaps there was poor service, problems with billing, a product that did not meet the company's needs, or some other issue. Taking a moment to get the issue expressed can lead to additional discussion that can benefit both sides. A coaching or delegating situation can also benefit from this question. Asking it makes the other party aware that there may be additional factors to be considered. So, your question of the day is "Is there anything else I should know?" Digging a little deeper can yield better results! What are your favorite questions asked by leaders and others to make people think a little deeper? Business Speech Improvement provides training in executive presence and communication skills for leadership development! Individual coaching and small group seminars are offered in this and other topics!

Executive Communication: Asking Incisive Questions

Two essential skills for executives are the ability to listen well - to both what is and is not said - and to ask the right questions. These questions help analyze the problem, consider the resources, consider and choose the best solution.

Executives were asked about what questions they considered when asked to evaluate a new project. A list of the best ones, along with many other communication techniques,  appears in the e-book Executive Communication Strategies.

What are some of the best questions leaders have asked in your experience that proved crucial to problem-solving? Please share them with our readers!