The unintentional use of a closed question can often be overcome by simply following it with a short open question. For example:

• "Do you feel that was the right thing to do?"
• "Yes, I do."
• "Can you help me understand why you feel that way?"

Here is an example of a closed question:

• Do you like ice cream?

Replacing it with an open question provides us with more information:

• What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?

The first question will only tell us whether the person likes ice cream or not. That’s a closed situation. The second question will let us know a little bit about the person. It could also lead to follow up questions depending on their answer. Questions that are open ended will help us learn more about the people we speak with, establish things that we have in common, develop rapport, and make meaningful connections.

It is possible for you to ask someone an open question and for them to be evasive or try to shut the conversation down. Children are famous for this when a parent says, “What did you learn at school today?” and they reply, “Nothing.” One of your team members may come see you after a meeting, and you say,” How’d the meeting go?” and they say, “Fine.” If you want to engage them, you’ll have to ask a follow up question. Some examples:

• What was the most interesting point raised in the meeting (or at school)?
• What were the challenges that we need to consider?
• What questions did the group ask?