Asking the Right Questions

 

Introduction

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)?


Notes
Created March 18, 2000. Last update - March 26, 2000.
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