Active Inquiry: A Powerful Tool for STEM Leaders in Corporations

In the dynamic world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), effective leadership hinges on the ability to command, query, and learn. This is where active inquiry, a powerful communication tool rooted in questioning and curiosity, comes to the forefront.In many ways, my career as an executive and Organization Development coach has been framed by the work of the late Ed Schein. In this article, I am articulating concepts he developed and expressed in his groundbreaking Process Consultation books, the first published in 1969. His ideas and work, then and now, continue to shape our understanding of how to be a practical helper and agent of change. And, they are applicable to STEM leaders aspiring to work and live authentically.Throughout this article, I'll provide examples of how I have experienced and worked with process consultation concepts. While the focus is on a client and consultant relationship, clients report that observing these skills in action improves their personal and leadership effectiveness.‍

The Power of Active Inquiry

‍Active inquiry is more than a method of asking questions; it's about creating a space where questions are encouraged and valued. This approach fosters an open and inclusive work environment, promoting a culture of psychological safety where individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. Today, organizational success hinges on being an inclusive leader, cherishing and respecting the diverse talent everyone brings to corporate life.Psychological safety – the belief that one can voice one's thoughts without fear of punishment or ridicule – is crucial in any workplace, especially in STEM fields where innovation thrives on creative problem-solving and open dialogue. Leaders who promote active inquiry signal to their team that their input is valued and crucial for the progress of the organization.Consider the case of a scientific research organization challenged with low productivity and morale among its staff. As an Organization Development consultant, the use of active inquiry might begin with open-ended questions such as, "Can you tell me about the recent projects you've been working on?" or "What obstacles are you currently facing in your role?" These questions not only show empathy but also stimulate thinking and dialogue. They help uncover underlying issues, such as a lack of resources or communication gaps within teams. By employing active inquiry, leaders can make informed decisions and implement effective solutions, ultimately driving enhanced productivity and morale.Active inquiry serves as a crucial leadership tool within STEM fields, fostering open dialogue and creative problem-solving. Leaders can uncover underlying issues and articulate effective solutions by creating a psychologically safe environment and using empathetic questioning. As such, it remains an invaluable approach for driving productivity, enhancing morale, and promoting innovation.

‍Building Confidence

Active inquiry plays a vital role in boosting confidence. When leaders engage their team members in open-ended questions, they demonstrate trust in their ability to contribute meaningful ideas. This assures individuals of their worth within the team and empowers them to take risks and step outside their comfort zones.Moreover, active inquiry encourages continual learning and growth. Leaders facilitate an environment where individuals are motivated to expand their knowledge and skills by inviting team members to share their insights and perspectives. Regular interaction and discussions about the challenges and intricacies of their work can lead to self-reflection and self-improvement. Over time, these interactions cultivate a team of confident, competent individuals who are informed and capable of innovative thinking and problem-solving, essential traits in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.

‍Gathering Information

‍In addition to boosting confidence, active inquiry serves as an effective tool for gathering information. By posing the right questions, leaders can gain insights into their team's strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest. This can help leaders make informed decisions and develop strategies that fully leverage their team's capabilities.Consider an engineering executive in a robotics firm faced with the challenge of unmet project deadlines and lagging team performance. Applying the skill of active inquiry, the executive might begin with questions like, "Can you walk me through the typical process of your project execution?" or "What barriers do you feel are preventing our team from meeting the set deadlines?" Such open-ended questions promote honest dialogue and can reveal bottlenecks in the process, like inefficient workflows or resource scarcity. Armed with this information, the executive can implement targeted solutions, such as process streamlining or resource reallocation. In essence, the executive has used active inquiry not just as a tool for information gathering but as a means to facilitate problem-solving, encourage team input, and drive organizational improvement. This skill transfer from an Organization Development consultant to an Engineering executive exemplifies its broad utility and effectiveness across the STEM fields.

‍Creating an Involvement Process

‍Let's take the example of a leadership team within a scientific research organization aiming to create an involvement process for younger, developing scientists. They initiate the process by employing active inquiry. The leaders start with questions that invite participation, such as, "What aspects of the research excite you the most?" or "What are some ways that would make you feel more involved in our current projects?"In response to the feedback, the leaders establish a mentorship program, pairing senior scientists with their younger counterparts. Furthermore, they facilitate regular brainstorming sessions where every member, irrespective of their experience level, is encouraged to share their innovative ideas and perspectives.The leadership team also introduces 'shadowing' days, providing an opportunity for the younger scientists to observe and participate in high-level tasks. Such initiatives foster a sense of involvement and ownership among the younger scientists and contribute to their personal and professional growth and development. By seeking their input and investing in their growth, the leaders have created an environment that values and promotes active participation. This involvement process becomes a powerful tool for nurturing the next generation of scientific talent while also fostering a culture of inclusion and mutual respect.Active inquiry also aids in developing an involvement process. When team members are encouraged to ask questions, they become more engaged in their work, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. This increased involvement can lead to improved productivity and job satisfaction.Putting Active Inquiry into

Practice

‍So, how can STEM leaders in corporations put active inquiry into practice?

1. Promote a culture of questioning: Encourage team members to ask questions, no matter how big or small. Show appreciation for their curiosity, and make it clear that every question is a step towards growth and learning.
2. Lead by example: Leaders should be active inquiry role models. Their willingness to ask questions sets the tone for the rest of the team.
3. Provide constructive feedback: Feedback is crucial for learning and improvement. Leaders should provide constructive feedback on the questions asked and guide team members on how they can improve their questioning skills.
4. Create safe spaces for dialogue: Establish regular forums where team members can freely discuss and question ideas. These can be team meetings, brainstorming sessions, or even informal chats.

In conclusion, active inquiry is an indispensable tool for leaders in the STEM field. By promoting a culture of questioning and dialogue, leaders can create an environment that fosters confidence, gathers valuable information, engages team members, and maintains psychological safety, paving the way for innovation and success.The need for STEM leaders to develop their process consultation skills cannot be overstated. This skill set allows leaders to effectively guide their teams through complex projects and challenges, fostering a culture of growth and innovation. If you're a leader in the STEM field, consider embarking on a journey to enhance your process consultation skills. Attend workshops, take relevant courses, and seize every opportunity to practice and refine your abilities. Remember, your growth as a leader directly impacts the development of your team and the advancement of the STEM field. Step forward and take the lead today by learning and applying process consultation skills!In what ways can leaders within your organization better implement active inquiry to improve team engagement and drive innovation?