Project managers and consultants help their clients put things in perspective. But before guiding others, they need to sharpen their own thinking.

Socrates believed that disciplined questioning enables us to test assumptions, uncover the truth, and strengthen our reasoning.

Today, Socratic Questioning remains a powerful method for clarifying thoughts, fostering critical thinking, and driving better decisions.

What is Socratic Questioning?

Socratic Questioning is a technique that includes questions to help people reach a conclusion without instructing them. Instead of telling someone the answer, the other person encourages exploration, self-reflection, and discovery.

Examples of Socratic questions

Socratic questions often follow patterns that invite deeper thought. Examples include:

  • What do you mean when you say X?
  • Can you give an example or explain it further?
  • What evidence supports/challenges your belief?
  • Is there another point of view?
  • If this happened, what else would it result?

By applying Socratic Questioning, project managers and consultants can move beyond surface-level answers. It becomes possible to uncover hidden assumptions, reveal risks, and create more robust solutions. Ultimately, this practice strengthens both individual reasoning and team decision-making.