Scenario: Yes or No

As an action learning coach, how would you handle the following situation:

A member responds to a closed question with an open answer.

 

Tags: Action Learning Coach, WIAL Action Learning

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Comments (6)

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    Peter Seah

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    Assuming here that the closed question is with an expected answer of “Yes” or “No”, I would remind the member that his/ her answer should be a simple “Yes” or “No”.

    If the member continues with the open answer, I will continue to intervene and ask the team what they are expected to answer the closed question. I will go back to that member to remind him/ her to state the answer.

    – Peter

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    lyeyk

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    It depends on the level of exposure to AL of the group as well as whether the intervention is worth the learning.

    If this is the first session and team members have no prior exposure to AL, I would intervene gently by saying “This is a YES/NO question, please response with a YES/NO.”

    If the team is experience with AL and the response does not affect the team dynamic and conversation, I would let it pass.

    Unless the behaviours repeated a couple of time and is affecting the team, then I would intervene.

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    Timothy Low

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    I would intervene only when the behaviour is repetitive and not helpful to the team discussion.
    Intervention could be to ask the team how the team feels at this juncture of discussion, a Yes or No answer is the only acceptable reply. This would hopefully remind the team gently that a closed question of Yes or No only reqiures a Yes or NO answer.

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    Porntip Jakwichtamrong

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    If the answer yes or no is critical, I would intervene and remind the team of the question being asked. If the behavior continues, I would then intervene again to help the team reflect on the situation and its impact on the team. Then ask the team for for action/decision.

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    DrBea

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    What I’ve taken to doing in these situations, particularly with new Action Learning teams, is as soon as the closed question is asked – I ask the questioner – Did you intend that to be a closed question? If they say no – I ask them to rephrase it. If they say yes – the responder has been made aware that the person is really just looking for a yes or no.

    I’ve found the intent question to be very powerful to get participants to think about what information they are actually after.

    Happy Coaching
    Bea

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    Tim de Jonker

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    depending of the situation i could do 2 thing.
    1. intervene and ask to the member who answer the question why he/she explains an yes or no question?
    2.intervene and ask to the member wo asked the question of it is the meaning to get an answer yes/no

    Depends the situation i’ll make an decision

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