“How” and “What” questions are a PM’s Secret Weapon to Solving Problems Quickly and Empathetically

If we’ve sent humans to the moon, we can build pretty much any product.

Approaching situations with an intention of getting to the ‘how’ and ‘what’ is needed to make it happen will have everyone in the discussion focused on the solution. The opposite is asking ‘why’ questions, to which the PM will get an explanation of why something is not possible and an additional job of finding a creative solution to solve it, alone.

In addition, asking “why” will speak to the past, “how” and “what” looks to create a better future.

You’ll get what you ask for.

“How” Questions

“Why can’t we use this data?”

vs

“How could we use this data?”

“Why” will get you the reason why you should not do this. “How” will have the subject matter expert, with whom you are consulting, working with you to make it possible. One word, different state of mind.

“What” Questions

“Why didn’t you send that by the deadline?”

vs

“What were the blockers to you sending that by the deadline”

“Why” sounds accusatory. It will get you an excuse and create a negative vibe. “What” will enable you to have empathy and will make your counterpart feel understood. You’ll also learn about the blockers on a deeper level. Through this difficult situation, you’ll grow even closer with your team-mate.

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