PSYCHOLOGY OF SAFETY: If at first you don't succeed...
Most of us don’t ask enough questions in the course of our conversations. Yet, asking is the key to learning. By asking for feedback we strengthen relationships by building trust. By asking for someone’s opinion, we show caring and respect. This sets the stage for frank communication. By asking for advice we gain information and boost the other person’s self-esteem. And by asking for support, we increase the chances of actually getting it.
But how should we ask? We can be direct, or nondirect, depending on the situation.