This is so simple and so powerful. Any managers out there want to understand what motivates their employees? Want a surefire way to get a glimpse into a person’s values? Ask them a “craft question”.

This comes from a recent issue of Rob Walker’s excellent Art of Noticing newsletter which featured Dan Heath. Dan is the author and creator of the podcast What It’s Like To Be…, which explores how people do what they do, and Rob asked Dan for something that he has learned from his process of exploring people’s work. Here is what he said:

In the show, I really enjoy asking questions about methods and tools and approaches. I asked a stadium beer vendor about his favorite tools, and he waxed nostalgic about a can opener he used in the old days that let him pour beer quickly and without foam. A hair stylist told me about his $1000 scissors from Japan and the way they balance perfectly in his hands. It’s fun to understand the craft involved in people’s jobs.

So my challenge would be: Ask someone a craft question. Show interest in the way they do their work. Not “How’s your job going?” or “What’s going on at work?” More like: (barista) “How do you get those cool swirly hearts on the latte foam?” or (nurse) “When you can tell someone’s afraid to have their blood drawn, what do you do?” I think you’ll be surprised by how much those craft questions can energize your conversation.

Ask a craft question — listen to the answer, and ask more.

Pro tip: This question also works on yourself too. Try it.