It’s no secret.

Communication is one of the top obstacles that leaders face.

In fact, a study by leadership consultancy Fierce, Inc. found that 86% of employees cite a lack of collaboration or ineffective communication as the main source of workplace failures.

How often have you found yourself saying:

How are you?

How was your weekend?

How are things going at work?

Are x, y and z projects coming along?

Are you experiencing any challenges?

Do you need anything from me?

If you’re like most, you’ve utilized one of those phrases; if not all of them.

The problem is they are all close-ended questions that require a one-word answer.

Good

Great

Fantastic

Yes

No

Not only do they give someone an easy out from telling you anything about them or what’s going on with them or the things that they are working on.

They give you an incredible out easy too.

An easy out of not really knowing that person, their life, what’s going right or wrong, what obstacles stand in their way, or what they may need from you.

If you are genuinely curious and want to communicate with your peers, team or employees, start by shifting up your questions.

What was the best part of your weekend?

What was the biggest win from last week?

What is the biggest challenge that you see facing you with x, y, and z, projects?

What tools can I provide you that will provide additional support?

What would you do in this situation?

All these questions allow for exploration.

It opens the door for them to share with you.

To build a relationship.

To communicate effectively.

It’s not only what the leader is saying that can be critical, but how they are saying it as well.