{"id":1343,"date":"2013-06-24T12:13:59","date_gmt":"2013-06-24T10:13:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/02086ee2.kundenrechner.net\/?p=1343"},"modified":"2016-10-10T15:01:16","modified_gmt":"2016-10-10T13:01:16","slug":"open-and-closed-questions-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.targettraining.eu\/de\/open-and-closed-questions-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Open and Closed Questions: What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A question is a question, right?\u00a0 There really isn’t a difference between open and closed questions, is there?\u00a0 Take a look at the brief conversation below:<\/p>\n

Bob: \u201cAre you satisfied with the prototype?\u201d
\nJohn: \u201cNot exactly.\u201d
\nBob: \u201cCould you suggest some changes?\u201d
\nJohn: \u201cHmm. Well. No, not really.\u201d
\nBob: \u201cShould we speak about this later?\u201d
\nJohn: \u201cNo, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Any

Open and Closed Questions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Do you notice a trend here? Yes, it seems that John is a slightly boring conversation partner. However, on the other hand, Bob doesn\u2019t seem to be asking the right questions. All of his questions are closed questions. Closed questions require only a yes or no answer. When we need information from customers and clients, it might be more useful to focus on open questions. These are questions that give our conversation partner the chance to give us more information. Open questions are an important conversation tool and can help us get the details we need to do the job right. Below, you\u2019ll find some closed questions and an alternative, open version of the question.<\/p>\n

Closed questions:
\n1. Did you read the report I sent you?
\n2. Do you agree with what Mr Smith said?
\n3. Do you like the proposal?
\n4. Do you have any questions?
\n5. Is price an important factor in this decision?
\n6. Can we move forward with the project now?<\/p>\n

These questions above are grammatically correct, but they can be improved to give your colleague or client the chance to speak. Asking open questions is a win-win: you get the information you need, and your client or colleague feels that he or she has the opportunity to talk to you and really share his or her opinions.<\/p>\n

Open questions:
\n1. What did you think about the report I sent you?
\n2. What\u2019s your opinion about what Mr Smith said?
\n3. What are your thoughts on the proposal?
\n4. What questions do you have?
\n5. Could you tell me about your budget?
\n6. What\u2019s your timeline for this project?<\/p>\n

Using Open Questions for Results<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Now that we\u2019ve seen some open and closed questions<\/a>, let\u2019s re-visit John and Bob\u2019s conversation and improve Bob\u2019s questions.<\/p>\n

Bob: \u201cWhat did you think about the prototype?\u201d
\nJohn: \u201cI thought the design was quite good, but in terms of functionality, it\u2019s still not what we need.\u201d
\nBob: \u201cHow can we improve it?\u201d
\nJohn: \u201cI have to say functionality is the most important thing at this point. The design is fine, but we need better performance.\u201d
\nBob: \u201cWhen would be a good time to meet to discuss the next steps?\u201d
\nJohn: \u201cI\u2019m free tomorrow at 1 o\u2019 clock. Does that work for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

With the help of open questions, John gives Bob the feedback he needs to improve the product.\u00a0 Please feel free to share your comments in the comments section below.<\/p>\n

\"Chad