Closed Questions vs Open Questions #9
Closed Question 1: «Did you meet your objectives this quarter?»
Why are these open questions better?
This question invites deep reflection on the path taken. Instead of a simple yes or no, it allows the employee to assess their own performance, recognize achievements and areas for improvement. It’s a form of self-assessment that fosters self-awareness and professional growth.
Here the goal is to understand context. This question helps identify both barriers and drivers of performance. By knowing the external and internal factors that affect the work, more informed decisions can be made to support the employee effectively.
This question reveals the employee’s methodology and resilience. It allows you to learn how they face obstacles, what strategies they use, and what they learn from each experience. It’s key to evaluate not only the outcome but also the process and adaptability.
Closed Question 2: «Do you feel supported by your supervisor?»
Why are these open questions better?
This question allows exploration of the dynamics of the working relationship. It’s not just about feeling supported, but understanding how communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution happen. The answer can reveal key aspects about the work climate and leadership effectiveness.
Here the aim is to personalize support. Each person has different needs, and this question helps identify what kind of help would be most effective. Whether it’s mentoring, resources, training, or simply active listening, the approach can be adapted to maximize the employee’s potential.
This question invites co-creation of solutions. Instead of complaining, the employee proposes concrete improvements. This fosters a trusting and collaborative environment where both participate actively in optimizing the working relationship.
Closed Question 3: «Are you overloaded with work?»
Why are these open questions better?
This question evaluates the employee’s management ability. It allows you to learn their strategies for organizing time, prioritizing activities, and maintaining the quality of work. It’s a way to identify strengths and areas where they could benefit from additional tools or techniques.
Here the goal is specificity. Not all aspects of work are equally difficult, and this question helps identify which require more attention. Whether due to technical complexity, time pressure, or lack of resources, critical points can be addressed precisely.
This question invites collaboration on the solution. The employee knows their context best and can propose real improvements. This perspective is invaluable for identifying bottlenecks, automating processes, or redistributing tasks more efficiently.
Closed Question 4: «Have you had any issues with a project?»
Why are these open questions better?
This question allows identifying specific problems without causing defensiveness. By talking about “challenges” instead of “problems,” a growth mindset is encouraged. The answer can reveal technical, communication, or resource obstacles that can be proactively addressed.
Here resilience and problem-solving ability are evaluated. This question helps learn the tools and strategies the employee uses to overcome obstacles. It’s a way to recognize their skills and, at the same time, identify areas where additional support could be beneficial.
This question fosters reflection on personal and professional growth. It allows the employee to value not only the results but also the learning process. It’s a way to celebrate development and identify lessons that can be applied to future projects.
Closed Question 5: «Do you need more resources?»
Why are these open questions better?
This question allows identifying specific needs. Instead of a generic request, it seeks to understand what type of support would be most effective. Whether it’s training, technological tools, or access to information, the provision of resources can be personalized to maximize impact.
Here efficiency and innovation are encouraged. This question invites thinking about how to do more with less, identifying opportunities to improve current resource usage. It’s a way to empower the employee and leverage their contextual knowledge to generate creative solutions.
This question seeks to prioritize. Not all resources have the same value for everyone, and this question helps identify which support would be most meaningful. This information is key to making informed decisions about investing in tools and capability development.
🔍 Depth
Open questions allow you to explore beyond the surface, revealing hidden thoughts, experiences, and skills.
🧠 Critical Thinking
They invite reflection, analysis, and structured answers, showing how the candidate processes information and makes decisions.
💬 Communication
They reveal the ability to express oneself clearly, organize ideas, and convey messages effectively.
🌟 Authenticity
They allow the candidate to show their true self, without fitting into prepackaged answers or clichés.