Tag Questions
Confirm a simple, factual deadline.
The report is due on Monday, isn't it?
Ask a colleague for their general opinion on a new office layout.
What are your thoughts on the new workspace?
A question is interesting but not relevant to today's agenda.
That's a good question, but it's a bit outside our scope for today.
Propose a minor, 2-day extension for a deliverable.
We'd like to propose a slight adjustment to the deadline, to ensure quality. Can we move the delivery to Wednesday?
Directly ask a quiet person in a meeting for their opinion.
[Name], we haven't heard from you yet. What do you think?
You think the client liked the design. Check your assumption.
You were pleased with the final design, weren't you?
You want a brainstorming session to consider remote work options.
Have we considered more flexible remote work policies?
You're asked for a specific data point you don't have.
I don't have that figure at my fingertips, but I'll find out and get back to you.
A client asks to add a small, new task to the project.
We can include that. On further thought, it will require a small addition to the budget/ timeline. Can we discuss that?
Two ideas are on the table. Find their shared goal.
I see merit in both ideas. What we all want is to increase customer satisfaction. How can elements of both help us get there?
Gently suggest starting a meeting now.
We could get started, couldn't we? Everyone seems to be here.
A team member seems resistant to a new process. Uncover their worry.
How would you feel about this change if we provided full training?
A colleague asks a long question with three different points.
That's a big topic. Let me break it down. Your first point was about budget, correct?
You discover you undercharged for a service in a signed proposal.
I need to be fully transparent. We made an error in the quote. Putting you first, we'll honor most of it, but need to adjust the fee for the extended support.
The meeting is going off-topic into a technical rabbit hole.
Let me check we're all on the same page. The decision we need to make now is 'go or no-go.' Can we return to that?
Express positive surprise at a result.
We managed to secure the funding, did we? That's fantastic news!
You suspect a partner's cost estimates are inflated. Probe without accusation.
Would you be interested in a cost-breakdown so we can explore efficiencies together?
A stakeholder challenges your conclusion aggressively.
I understand your skepticism. Let me walk you through the research findings that led us to that conclusion.
Halfway through, the client wants to change the core objective of the project.
That's a significant shift in scope. After careful consideration, we'd need to revisit the entire agreement—objectives, deliverables, and investment.
Get two departments that often conflict (Sales & Product) to work together on a launch plan.
For a successful launch, we need your combined insights. Let's be open. Sales, what's the key client need? Product, what's feasible to build?
In a negotiation, assert a shared priority to build rapport.
We both want a long-term partnership here, don't we? That's my starting point.
Frame a problem to lead a client to your pre-planned solution (a comprehensive audit)
To understand the root cause, what we really need is a full system audit, don't you agree?
You are asked a detailed question about something you will cover in 2 minutes.
You've hit on a key issue I'm just about to address. If you'll allow me to build the context on the next slide, I promise I'll answer that fully.
Renegotiate a major contract's payment terms (net 30 to net 60) with a key, long-term supplier.
Drawing on our successful partnership, we're proposing updated payment terms to align with our new financial cycle. This mutual adjustment would strengthen our long-term collaboration.
A senior colleague shuts down a junior's idea abruptly. Defend the collaborative process.
Let's not dismiss that idea too quickly. I appreciate the need for experience, but fresh perspectives are how we innovate. [Junior], can you elaborate on the potential benefits you see?