Asking the right question: closed vs. open questions
As a Delivery Lead, the way you communicate with your team can make a big difference. The questions you ask shape conversations, spark ideas, and help projects move forward. Using the right mix of open and closed questions is a simple but powerful tool in leadership and coaching.
What Are Closed Questions?
Closed questions are designed to get specific, often yes/no or brief factual answers. They’re useful for gathering data quickly or checking progress.
Characteristics:
Often start with “Is,” “Are,” “Do,” “Will,” or “Can”
Provide limited response options
Best for confirming details or collecting specific information
Example:
Imagine you’re conducting a customer satisfaction survey. A closed question could be:
“On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the overall service you received?”
This gives clear, measurable feedback quickly.
What Are Open Questions?
Open questions invite deeper, thoughtful responses. They encourage discussion, reflection, and idea generation.
Characteristics:
Often start with “What,” “How,” “Why,” or “Tell me…”
Require more detailed answers
Foster dialogue and understanding
Example:
When reviewing team dynamics, an open question could be:
“How would you describe the team dynamics during our recent project?”
This allows team members to share insights, take ownership, and explore solutions together.
Why It Matters
Using the right questions is not just about collecting information. It’s about fostering clarity, engagement, and collaboration.
Closed questions help you quickly assess where things stand and confirm alignment.
Open questions give your team space to reflect, share insights, and contribute to problem-solving.
For example, instead of asking,
“Did you meet your deadlines?”
try asking,
“What challenges did you encounter with the deadlines, and how can we support you moving forward?”
This transforms a check-in into a coaching moment, building trust, encouraging problem-solving, and supporting growth.
5 Questions Every Delivery Lead Should Ask
What do you think? – Encourages input and ownership
What makes you think this? – Prompts deeper reflection
Can you tell me more? – Opens the door for detailed insights
How can I support you with this? – Offers guidance without taking control
What do you think are the next steps? – Encourages accountability and forward-thinking
Using Questions to Build Engagement and Growth
Great leadership in tech is about more than providing answers. It’s about inspiring reflection, encouraging problem-solving, and fostering team ownership. By combining open and closed questions strategically, Delivery Leads can create a culture where team members feel empowered, valued, and engaged.
As a coach, your role is to guide exploration, not to hand out solutions. Asking the right questions consistently helps your team move from task completion to owning processes, solving challenges, and contributing to collective success.
