1. Get to the root of the problem. When you go to the doctor, you tell him or her whats wrong with you as you know it. You might explain that you have a sore throat, itchy eyes and pounding head. However, your doctor knows you will only get better when you are treated for whatever is actually making you sick not the symptoms of the illness; thats why you may be asked a series of questions or undergo a battery of tests. Whats at the core of the issues you are dealing with? Do you hate your job or need a life? Are your sales presentations falling flat? Do you run out of money before you run out of bills? Where is your real pain coming from? Get past the obvious stuff on the surface. Dig deeper through investigation, analysis and examination.

2. Understand the facts. Become a reporter. There is enormous power to the words, What, Why, When, Where, Who, How. Reporters use these words all the time to make sure they have gotten the complete story. Knowledge is power. Take responsibility for getting the information you need. Understand the difference between dealing with fact and making assumptions.

3. Remove the assumption factor. Whenever you are about to respond to something, ask yourself this question: How do I know this to be true? Are you basing your comments or activities on verified fact or are you assuming? If youre responding to information, where did you get the information? Was it first hand? Was it verbally passed down from others? Was it timely? Was it complete? Did you ask questions to clarify details? Remember this little ditty When you ASS U ME, you make an ASS out of U and ME.

4. Step back to gain a valuable perspective. Youve probably heard the adage, cant see the forest for the trees a million times, but thats because its a statement that rings true. When you are in the midst of something, its easy to get caught up in the immediate and assumed obvious. Think like a consultant. Look at a situation with an open mind and a flexible agenda. Questions like, how can I improve this? or why is this done this way? or what is another option? will program your subconscious mind to look for an appropriate answer.

5. Understand whats being said. Heres some good news. Never again will you have to waste a few hours doing something unnecessary or answer a question in a way that completely misses the point. A simple question can avoid all that. Try, If I understand you correctly, what you said was.. then paraphrase the statement. End by saying, Was that accurate? Or you could go the direct route by saying, Im not sure I understand. Could you repeat that please?

6. Get your priorities straight. Consider how these questions could help organize your life: Whats most important and why? Who else could do this? When is this due? How long will this take? What is the best use of my time and skills? When do I work most effectively? Where can I combine my efforts?

7. Show interest. Asking questions demonstrates interest. Its a way to say, Im genuinely interested in you and want to know more. Consider the impact this would have with an interviewer or customer. Before you recite a canned presentation or go into a meaningless monolog at a job interview, ask what is most important to the person you are meeting with. Learn about their needs and issues so you can provide specific, meaningful information.

8. Incorporate options. What if has long been considered a question that creates fear and paralyzes activity. But when its used to develop plausible options and contingency plans, this simple two-word statement becomes a powerful driver for effective action steps no matter how often Murphys Law interferes with your plan.

9. Honesty is your ace in the hole when you just dont know. Consider this. Youre asked a question and youre stumped. Its a direct question that requires a direct answer. But, you dont have a clue what the answer might be. Try this: I dont know the answer to your question. But I would be happy to do some research and get back to you. Then, follow up, do the research and respond. Or, perhaps youve been asked a question that is more personal it might be about your values or beliefs and youre unsure what the politically correct answer might be. The only right answer is the one that come from your heart. Never veer from honesty and integrity.

10. The ASK acronym. When you become skilled at asking good questions you will find your Attitude will be one of confidence, your communication and problem solving Skills will soar and your Knowledge will grow immensely. All you have to do is ASK.