How to ask “why” questions without putting people on the defensive

Instead of asking “why,” try to compose questions in a “what” context, as in “what prompted that decision?” or a variation, “what led to that ...

How to ask 'Why?' without someone getting defensive - LinkedIn

The intent is pure, we simply want to know more. The problem is that asking 'why' tends to make people defensive. It is as if 'why' gets ...

Why do people get defensive when you ask them questions starting ...

Why usually means the person has to explain themselves or their actions if you're asking a why about them.

Avoid Asking Why, And What Good Leaders Say Instead - Forbes

Leaders avoid asking "why?" as it puts people on the defensive and often comes from a place of judging, not from a place of curiosity.

JALT(just a little tip): If you want to ask a question, don't use ''why ...

I definitely unconsciously do this already in some situations where I indeed think asking "why" would cause the person to be defensive. I'm not ...

Defensive Reponses: Not "Why", but "You" - Six Minutes

DON'T ASK: “Why would you…?” DO ASK: “How could you have done it differently to avoid this error?” DON'T ASK: “Why didn't you ...

When Asking “WHY” Becomes Counterproductive. - Plato HQ

Empathize and understand: Sometimes I can have an opinion about certain things, but asking “why” questions might not be the best way to present ...

Megan Luscombe | Shifting from “Why” questions to ... - Instagram

I hear you ask. Great question dear follower, great question. “Why” questions more often than not put people on the defensive, suggesting ...

The Value of Asking Non-Defensive Questions - ombuzz

Have you ever met a toddler? You know, those small human beings that ask all the why questions. Why did he do that? Why is she sad? Why can't I ...

How to Ask Great Questions - Harvard Business Review

Their natural inquisitiveness, emotional intelligence, and ability to read people put the ideal question on the tip of their tongue. ... Why do so many of us hold ...

How to Talk to Someone Who Is Always Defensive - Psych Central

Consider why the other person is behaving this way. If you were in their shoes, how would you react? Why would a rational person respond like ...

How to Ask Questions so People Don't Get Defensive - YouTube

... questions you're asking. Instead of, "Did you change the database permissions?" or "Who authorized those changes?" Consider this: "Why are ...

Why People Get Defensive and What You Can Do about It

For example, reminding them of your long-term relationship and mutual respect (confirm this by asking questions). Then ask, “So why are you ...

How to Talk to Someone Who Gets Defensive (And Stay Calm)

In the middle of a conversation, it can be more productive to ask questions when someone starts to get defensive, advises Richmond. Why is that ...

The Four Horsemen: Defensiveness - The Gottman Institute

Why didn't you just do it?” The defensive partner in this example isn't taking responsibility for breaking their promise. Instead, they blame ...

Non-Defensive Communication (Part 2): How to Form Non ... - ombuzz

*Caution: Questions beginning with 'why' can feel interrogating because we often follow the why with a contracted verb which sounds accusatory.

HOW TO DEAL WITH A DEFENSIVE PERSON WHO WON'T LISTEN ...

... say! 8-minute read. relationship book. You First Have to Understand Why People are Defensive. People are defensive for one main reason: they're feeling attacked ...

Don't Get Defensive: Communication Tips for the Vigilant

The main reason to stop getting defensive is that it usually triggers the same response in the other person. ... why you're arguing — if you find ...

Why is my husband so defensive to me when I ask him a question?

In the meantime, the most common reasons why I've seen people be “defensive every time [I] ask” them anything, include things such as… Lots ...

Understanding Defensive Behavior in the Workplace - Liane Davey

Then you can respond with what you have learned about why that is happening. You might say, “I think what's going on is I feel like we're ...