In a recent event for non-executive directors (NEDs), the speaker pointed out, rightly, that an NED does not have executive powers or even special powers on the board of directors.  The main tool available to the NED is the ability to persuade, to be an influencer.  Therefore, soft skills are key especially in the knowledge that the NED may not be the subject expert that the executive management team already is.

One technique available to the NED is Socratic Questioning.

Socratic questioning is a method of asking questions to help someone think more deeply about a topic and uncover underlying beliefs or assumptions. This method, inspired by the Greek philosopher Socrates, encourages critical thinking and illuminates ideas that might otherwise remain unexplored.

Here are the main steps to effectively use Socratic questioning:

1. Clarify Concepts: Start by asking questions that clarify the concepts or ideas being discussed. This helps to ensure that everyone has a common understanding of what's being talked about. For example, you might ask, "What exactly do you mean by ‘simplification’ in this context?"

2. Challenge Assumptions: Once the concepts are clear, the next step is to explore the assumptions behind the person's thoughts or claims. Questions like, "What are we assuming here?" or "Why do you think that is true?" are useful here.

3. Seek Evidence: After identifying and discussing assumptions, ask for evidence that supports the claims being made. Questions such as, "What evidence supports this view?" or "How can we verify or test this?" help to assess the validity of the claims.

4. Consider Alternative Perspectives: Encourage the exploration of different viewpoints. You might ask, "What might others say about this?" or "Is there another way to look at this situation?"

5. Examine Consequences and Implications: Discuss the potential consequences of the viewpoint. Questions like, "What are the implications of this view?" or "What could result if this action were taken?" help to explore the broader context and potential impact.

6. Question the Question: Finally, reflect on the questions themselves and the discussion process. Ask "Have we come to different conclusions or a different understanding as a result of this discussion?"

Using Socratic questioning encourages deeper understanding and critical thinking, making it a valuable tool in education, counseling, and everyday conversations.