The advocacy vs. inquiry model describes two fundamental approaches to communication: stating your own perspective (advocacy) and genuinely seeking the perspective of others (inquiry).
Understanding these two distinct modes of communication is crucial in various contexts, from team discussions to conflict resolution. At its core, the model highlights the difference between telling and asking.
Understanding Advocacy
Based on the provided reference, advocacy is defined as the act of stating one's views. This involves expressing your thoughts, feelings, judgments, and desires.
- Forms of Advocacy Include:
- Describing what I think
- Disclosing how I feel
- Expressing a judgment
- Urging a course of action
- Giving an order
Essentially, when you are in an advocacy mode, you are focused on putting your perspective forward and influencing the situation or the listener.
Understanding Inquiry
In contrast, inquiry is defined as the act of asking a question. The key characteristic of genuine inquiry is that the speaker is seeking information they do not already possess.
- Purpose of Inquiry:
- Gathering information
- Understanding another's perspective
- Exploring possibilities
- Clarifying assumptions
When you are in an inquiry mode, you are focused on listening and learning from others.
Advocacy vs. Inquiry: Key Differences
The fundamental difference lies in the direction of communication and the speaker's intent.
| Feature | Advocacy | Inquiry |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Action | Stating views | Asking questions |
| Speaker's Goal | Express own perspective, influence | Seek information, understand others |
| Information Flow | Outward (from speaker) | Inward (to speaker) |
| Examples | "I think we should do X." | "What do you think we should do?" |
| "This report is insufficient." | "What are your thoughts on the report?" | |
| "We need to implement this change now." | "How do you see this change affecting...?" |
Practical Insights and Examples
Navigating discussions effectively often involves a conscious choice between advocacy and inquiry.
- When to lean into Advocacy:
- Sharing expertise or critical information.
- Making a clear decision or giving a direct instruction when necessary.
- Expressing personal feelings or boundaries.
- When to lean into Inquiry:
- Understanding complex situations from multiple angles.
- Encouraging participation and input from others.
- Testing assumptions or exploring alternative viewpoints.
- Building rapport and demonstrating respect for others' perspectives.
Examples in Dialogue:
Consider a team meeting discussing a project issue:
- Pure Advocacy: "This isn't working because feature Y is fundamentally flawed. We need to rebuild it starting tomorrow." (Stating judgment, urging action).
- Pure Inquiry: "What do you all think is causing the issues with the project?" (Seeking information).
- Combining (not explicitly in the reference, but common practice): "I believe the problem stems from feature Y [Advocacy - Stating view/judgment]. What are your observations, and how do you see us addressing this? [Inquiry - Seeking information/action]."
Understanding the distinction between advocacy and inquiry allows individuals to be more intentional about their communication style and choose the approach best suited for a given situation. Genuine questions, where the speaker truly seeks information, are the hallmark of effective inquiry.
