Our brain is hard-wired to answer questions. We can use this knowledge to help us ‘switch on’ our brain and influence the way our team thinks and where they focus their attention for safer outcomes at work.
Have you ever been asked a question you know the answer to… but just can’t recall it in the moment? Then, at 3 o’clock in the morning your brain suddenly decides now is the perfect time to remind you? ๐ Yep, we’ve all been there. It’s because our brain is hard-wired to answer questions. Literally. It will keep searching for the answers in our subconscious, long after we’ve asked the question, whether we want it to or not!
Don’t believe us? Try this…
What’s your name?
How old are you?
What did you eat for breakfast today?
While you might not have answered out loud, we can guarantee you answered in your head.
Cool party trick? Sure. Want to know an even cooler trick? You can use this knowledge to influence your team to work safely.
Want your team to switch on their brain to risk and make a safer choice at work? Try these 7 brain-friendly questions.
Asking questions can switch on our brain to risk and force us to think about the tasks ahead. In turn, enabling us to make a safer choice. But there’s one big caveat: our brain doesn’t care about the quality of the questions we ask it. It’s job is just to answer them. So, don’t just go asking questions all willy-nilly. Think carefully about the result you’re looking for and ask quality questions accordingly.
Here’s a few to get you started:
- Why are we choosing to work safely?
- What’s in it for you to be switched on today?
- How would your family/friends/future plans be affected if you got injured?
- How does the rest of the team benefit from your choice to work safely?
- What could harm us today?
- What’s important in this moment?
- What could we be missing?
TIP: Avoid asking easy, closed-ended questions like “Is everyone clear what we’re doing today?” or “Do you understand?” Human instinct is to say “Yes” whether we understand or not because we don’t want to appear incompetent. Instead, ask open-ended questions that encourage individuals to explain the plan or process ahead.
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