How Asking Better Questions Can Improve Office Productivity

We recently posted some tips for boosting productivity during the work day. Now, we are going to take a different approach to improving efficiency by asking better questions.

What to Ask Yourself

Everyone knows that famous line from John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you, as what you can do for your country.” The same can be said for your business environment—what questions can and should you be asking that will help increase your productivity.

• What distractions can I minimize or eliminate entirely?
• What tools do I need to get my work done more efficiently?
• Do I lack a specific skill set to complete an assignment? How can I develop those skills?
• Do I waste time during the day? If so, how can I improve my time management?

What to Ask of Your Company

Beyond the questions that you should ask yourself, there are important questions regarding the company you work for that you should be seeking answers to as well.

• Do I feel good about who I work for and what they do?
• Does my manager support my role and encourage professional growth?
• Does my company give me the training and support I need to excel in my position?
• Does this business support and respect work/life balance?

Asking better, nay, smarter questions mean that you will get more valuable answers. Instead of wasting time asking several innocuous questions, drill right down to the most important pieces of information. Focusing on the critical questions will illuminate needs and improve productivity.