Using the Socratic method in the workplace can be a powerful tool for mentoring junior coworkers, guiding team meetings, and encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
I specially like when a coworker or team lead challenges my opinion with the right question, it makes me think about possible solutions instead of feeling attacked or contradicted. This is why I am trying to learn how to do it and apply it myself when I have the opportunity.
Disclaimer: The Socratic method is a very general term to describe the different techniques that Socrates used for teaching, encouraging critical thinking and discussion. In this post we will use it describe an approach about leading and mentoring at work.
The Socratic method involves asking open-ended questions that encourage coworkers to think deeply and critically about the topic at hand, rather than simply telling them what to do. By giving them space to think and explore their own ideas, you'll be helping them become more confident and independent workers.
Using Socratic questioning effectively
When using the Socratic method, it's important to actively listen to your coworker's responses and ask follow-up questions to clarify their thinking. This will help you understand their thought process and guide them towards a deeper understanding of the topic. Additionally, it's important to demonstrate that you're actively listening and engaged in the conversation by maintaining eye contact, using nonverbal cues, summarizing key points, and avoiding interrupting.
- Ask open-ended questions that encourage deep and critical thinking
- Actively listen to coworker's responses and ask follow-up questions
- Demonstrate active listening and engagement through nonverbal cues and summarizing key points
Example 1: Pairing
As any other method or technique, knowing the theory is not enough, practicing is key to know which is the right question and when to do a new question or when to wait and give space to the other person. For example, this are some questions you could use while pairing or reviewing code:
- What's your understanding of the problem we're trying to solve here?
- How would you approach this problem if you were working on it alone?
- What are some potential solutions you've considered so far?
- What are the pros and cons of each solution?
- How would you test your solution to make sure it works as expected?
- Are there any edge cases or potential issues we should consider?
Try to use them when you are pairing or discussing a topic with a coworker or friend and observe how they react, if you surprised them or they feel that their opinion is important. Observe also yourself, asking this questions when you think that you know the right answer is difficult. Were you able to be patient while your mentee was trying to find the right words? Did you look calm and encouraging? Were you listening actively?
Example 2: In team meetings
In team meetings, it's important to encourage participation from all team members by creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Acknowledging the contributions of different team members and using visual aids to participate (like boards or post-its or any of the multiple virtual tools that we have for meetings) can help to create that collaborative environment.
So, for example, if you have a board where every member of the team has to add an idea or a concern (maybe anonymously, depending on the topic) and then you read them aloud and comment each of them with the team, each team member will feel that they have been listened and they had the opportunity to express themselves.
As a senior developer, it's important to participate in team meetings and contribute your expertise without dominating the conversation or imposing your point of view.
Asking questions, providing context, sharing examples, encouraging collaboration, being neutral, and listening actively are all ways to participate without giving a direct opinion.
So, if you are one of the seniors members of the team, maybe you should try to lead some meetings using these practices, or simply offer yourself to take notes and lead the meeting from there. The person taking notes can summarize aloud what it has been said and remember any commitment or follow up actions that have been discussed.
Key points to remember:
- Encourage participation from all team members
- Listen actively and ask follow-up questions
- Summarize key points and ask for feedback
- Avoid dominating the conversation and encourage collaboration
- Keep an open mind and remain neutral
- Acknowledge contributions
- Use visual aids to encourage participation
- Follow up individually if needed
Conclusion
Using the Socratic method in the workplace can be a powerful tool for mentoring junior coworkers and guiding team meetings. You can help your team members become more confident and independent workers, and encourage the generation of new ideas and solutions as a team.
Learn more!
Some links to keep learning about the topic:
- Socratic questioning
- Asking good questions
- LinkedIn Learning has many videos and courses about active listening that can be great to learn by example, f.e. this video about active listening
This post was created and edited by me with help of AI and Google, I was learning about the topic and I thought that it may be useful to share a summary on the topic.
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