How to tackle and resolve the uncertainties of Q&As – Few Tips

Jyoti Jaiswal

Introduction: Throughout my journey as a head girl, during my articleship, and various leadership roles in the field of chartered accountancy, I have encountered numerous Q&A sessions. Whether it was addressing concerns in my school, organizing events, or participating in activities within the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), these experiences have taught me valuable lessons on how to tackle and resolve questions effectively. Inspired by a podcast on great leaders and uncertainty, I wanted to share some insights on handling Q&A sessions with confidence and diplomacy.

The Challenges of Q&A Sessions:

Q&A sessions can be challenging for leaders, as they never know what to expect. Will the questions be critical? Will there be complaints? Is there a chance of a viral moment? These sessions create a vulnerable and uncertain environment for everyone involved, particularly leaders in the workplace. The key is to prepare oneself to respond thoughtfully and diplomatically, regardless of the nature of the questions.

Useful Tips for Handling Q&A Sessions:

Drawing from my personal experiences, here are a few tips to navigate the uncertainty of Q&A sessions:

1. Mind Rephrasing: Sometimes, the questions posed to you may lack clarity. In such situations, don’t hesitate to ask the questioner to rephrase their query. This tactic not only buys you some time to fully understand the question but also allows you to seek additional context if needed. You can politely request more information by saying, “Could you please provide more details about the background or context of your question?”
2. Silicic Questions in Threes: To effectively manage the questions, try writing them down as they are asked. Additionally, encourage individuals to state their name before posing their question. This allows you to process the question while writing it down, and then address the person by name in your response, creating a more personalized and intimate interaction. However, consider the specific requirements and dynamics of the environment in which you are conducting the Q&A session.
3. Condense Questions into Bite-Sized Format: To enhance your ability to distill questions into digestible bites, practice summarizing information from various media sources. Whether it’s LinkedIn, videos, podcasts, newspapers, or presentations, challenge yourself to articulate the essence of what you have consumed in one concise sentence. This exercise trains your mind to condense complex information and helps you respond more effectively during Q&A sessions.

Conclusion: Navigating Q&A sessions requires careful preparation and the ability to handle uncertainty with confidence and diplomacy. By employing strategies such as mind rephrasing, silicic questions, and condensing information, you can effectively address questions and provide thoughtful responses as a leader. Embrace these tips to manage uncertainty, boost your confidence, and enhance your leadership presence during Q&A sessions.