Asking for an example is a quick way to move through confused or ambiguous, or defensive talk.

Here is an example:

• We need Ted, the IT project coordinator, to return customer calls sooner.
• How soon?
• Sooner than he is right now.
• Can you give me an example of a customer call that Ted returned fast enough? And an example of a customer call Ted did not return fast enough?

Another Example:

• We need to decrease the time this team takes to make a decision.
• How fast should the team make a decision?
• Faster than they are right now.
• Can you give me an example of when the team made a decision fast enough? And an example of when the team took too long to make a decision?

On to the inquiry:

Can you share an example?

This question pulls the speaker and team back into a shared reality. I have often used this question on boards and teams I work with.

Please try it and let me know what works.

image by Nina Matthews Photography