Asking the Right Questions
Objective: Asking the right questions (and solving them) is the most important part of a project.
Time: about 20 Minutes
Instructions:
Divide the class into three groups and assign each team the task of coming up with five questions that they should ask when assigned or starting a new project. They should also give general answers to them.
- Team 1 will ask and answer in general terms, questions related to the organization. e.g., Does the project support the mission statement?
- Team 2 will ask and answer in general terms, questions related to the team. e.g., What skills does the team need for a successful project?
- Team 3 will ask and answer in general terms, questions related to the individual. e.g., What skills or knowledge will I have to learn?
Encourage paradoxical questions - Will we be penalized for succeeding?
When they are finished, rejoin them into one large group and have each group discuss their findings. Also discuss:
- How will the team or team leader know if all the questions have been asked?
- How do questions help to ensure that the project is successful?
- What type of questions must be asked and answered to ensure the project is appropriate for the organization (or the team for that matter)?