Leading with Questions - Industry Training Module 1

By: OpenLot.com.au | 15 Aug, 2023

Leading with Questions

 

Daniel Spencer discussed various techniques for effective communication and building relationships through questioning. The main focus was on reflective questioning, where the speaker demonstrated how to ask a question based on the response received, leading to deeper conversations. This technique was accompanied by another approach known as reframing, where the speaker summarised the respondent's answer before probing further. This process aimed to help participants open up and express their thoughts more clearly. The speaker emphasised the importance of understanding and identifying significant questions while interacting with people, and how listening attentively and delving into their answers could uncover deeper insights. 

Furthermore, the video highlighted the notion that building trust and rapport with individuals involves consistent and strategic questioning. By asking follow-up questions and reflecting back what was heard, a sense of trust could be established, allowing the relationship to progress. The concept of involving a third entity, the "relationship," was introduced, suggesting that through effective questioning and engagement, individuals would become more willing to invest in this third element. Daniel presented a structured approach to questioning:

  • Ask a question
  • Get an answer
  • Ask another question
  • Reframe what was heard
  • Observe how participants lean into the conversation

This rhythm, Daniel proposed, was a powerful technique in sales, encouraging participants to go beyond superficial interactions and ask multiple questions to reach the heart of the matter.

As the video progressed, an illustration involving a deck of cards was used to reinforce the idea of leading questions to a desired outcome. Daniel engaged a participant in picking cards, and through a series of questions, directed them toward a specific card, demonstrating the power of guiding questions. This visual demonstration reinforced the importance of knowing where questions are headed and understanding the destination of the conversation. The video also discussed the shift from transaction-focused interactions to relationship-building ones. Daniel urged participants to engage in conversations akin to chopping wood, building relationships gradually, rather than obsessing over immediate transactions. The importance of providing advice, forecasting market returns, and helping clients make informed decisions was emphasised, along with the value of leveraging relationships through kind gestures like attending housewarming parties.

The training highlighted the significance of leading with questions to foster effective communication, establish trust, and build strong relationships. Through techniques such as reflective questioning, reframing, and guiding conversations, individuals could delve deeper into discussions and gain valuable insights. The video encouraged a shift from transactional interactions to relationship-based approaches, emphasising the importance of continuous engagement and providing advice to clients. By understanding the destination of conversations and leveraging relationships, participants were encouraged to create lasting connections and nurture them for future opportunities.