Often, when people tell us about something that’s worrying them, they talk “around” the topic. Counselors call it the “presenting issue.” It can be difficult for them to get right to the heart of the issue; or, they may not be clear and able to articulate what they are thinking and feeling. If you feel that concerns aren’t getting out into the open, use these questions that will help bring important clues to the surface.

If you encounter this particular communication problem, you might consider asking the type of questions suggested in this post on Tips to Pinpoint Real Issues at Work.

Communication (Photo credit: P Shanks)