Questions open doors to unexpected possibilities.

Great questions create great relationships.

If you want to dive deeper into this concept, you can read my full article on Medium, where I share more personal experiences and insights:👉 <a href="https://medium.com/@luzbelyahabene/this-is-how-i-steer-any-conversation-in-my-favor-fe3a382a790e">How to Steer Any Conversation in Your Favor.</a>Try using calibrated questions in your own conversations, and let me know how they work for you! You might be surprised at how powerful they are.

Thanks for reading.

Avoid assuming the other person’s motivations or goals; ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective.Incorrect: “You’re prioritizing this because it benefits you, right?”Instead say: “What’s driving your priorities in this situation?”

Replace Assumptions with Curiosity

Closed-ended questions often limit responses and block meaningful dialogue. Instead, use calibrated questions to encourage thought and discussion.Incorrect: “Do you like this approach?”Instead say: “What do you think about this approach?”

Avoid Yes-or-No Questions

Instead of focusing on what went wrong, calibrate your question to look for solutions.Incorrect: “Whose fault is it that we’re behind schedule?”Instead say: “What can we do to get back on track?”

Shift Blame to Problem-Solving

Ask the right questions if you’re going to find the right answers.

Pause Before You Ask: Take a moment to frame your question thoughtfully.Be Nonjudgmental: Keep your tone neutral to invite openness.Encourage Elaboration: Use phrases like “Can you help me understand…” or “What do you mean by…” to dig deeper.

Practical Tips for Using Calibrated Questions

You can’t direct someone to a solution, but you can guide them there with the right question.

When someone expresses dissatisfaction, avoid brushing it off with simple answers. Use a calibrated question to dig deeper.Incorrect: “Is everything okay with the project?”Instead say: “What specific issues do you think we should address in the project?”

Turn Vague Concerns into Specific Insights

Encourage collaboration by framing your question to involve the other person in finding an answer.Incorrect: “Can you fix this problem?”Instead say: “How do you think we can solve this problem together?”

Make Them Part of the Solution

Questions that feel accusatory can trigger defensiveness. Calibrated questions reframe these in a neutral and inviting way.Incorrect: “Why haven’t you fixed this issue yet?”Instead say: “What challenges have you faced in addressing this issue?”

Reframe Loaded Questions

Calibrated questions are more than just a tool—they are a skill that transforms conversations into meaningful exchanges. By asking thoughtful, open-ended questions, you empower others to share insights, explore solutions, and build collaboration.By learning to ask the right questions the right way, you unlock the potential for growth, understanding, and success in every interaction.

Conclusion

In our daily interactions, the way we frame questions can either open doors to understanding or shut down communication. Calibrated questions—those thoughtfully crafted to be open-ended and inviting—help steer conversations toward collaboration, problem-solving, and deeper insights.

CHRIS VOSS

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