How to Answer the John McPherson Questions

Have you ever been in a situation where you were asked a question, and you didn't know the answer? Of course, you're human. Of those questions, were there any questions that you should have known the answer? Also, of course, because you're still human. This concept of not knowing the answer to questions is how I created the phrase, 'The John McPherson Questions.'

I'll give a brief overview of how I created this phrase. It was September of 2011. I had been at my job with the Hamilton County TN Wastewater Treatment Authority for two months. There was a Development Committee meeting to talk about a development project. My task for that meeting was to create some graphics and run some general calculations. Leading up to the meeting, I did the work required. I felt confident that the work I did was going to be sufficient. When it came time to talk about the project I was working on, good conversations were surrounding the development and my work. Then John McPherson, one of the board members for the sewer authority, asked, "Cleveland, how does this affect the City of Chattanooga and their capacity?" Cleveland, the Executive Director, looked to me and my boss, Mark, for an answer. We didn't have one. Cleveland told John, "We'll get back to you." In fairness to us, it was a difficult question and one that we weren't expecting.

That said, after the meeting, I asked Mark, "We should have known the answer to that question, shouldn't we?" Mark said yes. A similar situation happened in the next committee meeting I attended. John McPherson asked a good question that the staff wasn't able to provide a complete answer. After that meeting, I started using the phrase, 'The John McPherson Questions.'

Let me explain that a John McPherson question isn't just a question where you don't know the answer. It's a good question where you should know the answer. It's a question where if you had done your research and work that you can answer the question. The John McPherson questions aren't easy. They are good and well thought out questions. The John McPherson question shows whoever asking the question has done their research. In summary, the John McPherson question is difficult, but one you should be able to answer. So how do you answer the John McPherson questions?

1. Do your research. Whoever is asking a John McPherson question has done their research. So you need to do yours. When you've done your research, you become more knowledgeable. When you become more knowledgeable, then you become more confident. Confidence is key to answering any challenging question.

2. Come with materials. Being prepared isn't just knowing the answer off the top of your head. It's also about knowing how to find the answer quickly. This could be in the form of a binder or notes you have written. If you are familiar with your written material and can find the answer rather quickly, that's just as effective as knowing the answer from your head.

3. When making preparations, come up with a list of questions you think people would ask. Sometimes, it helps take a step back. When you take a step back, your brain will reset and you can have a fresh perspective. When you have a fresh perspective, new questions in your head will generate. Sometimes those questions will be one of the John McPherson questions that get asked of you.

4. Discuss what you are working on with other people. They can offer a perspective that is fresher than your high-level look. They can offer some tips as well to help you improve. It never hurts to have an extra set of eyes.

5. Listen to the entire question. Even if there's a part of the question that you don't know, you may be able to answer part of the question. Answering part of the question is much better than not knowing the answer at all.

6. Don't fret if you don't know. Stay confident. It's okay to say you will follow up. Just don't make a habit out of it. Cleveland was the master at answering the John McPherson questions. He did so in a very eloquent and confident manner. But as I highlighted earlier, Cleveland didn't have the answer every time. When he didn't, he didn't fret about it. He just continued confidently.

Remember, it's impossible to know the answer to every tough question. It's tough for a reason. But using these techniques, you'll be able to answer those difficult questions on a more frequent basis. You'll be saying less and less, "Let me get back to you."

Most of all, you should embrace the John McPherson questions. They will challenge you. When we are challenged, we get out of our comfort zone. When we get out of our comfort zone, we grow as a person. I know this because preparing for Hamilton County Sewer Authority Board and Committee meetings for six years, I had to prepare for the John McPherson questions. By doing so, I became a better and more productive employee. I also became a more confident person. Preparing for the John McPherson questions at work put me in the habit of preparing for those questions outside of work. As such, I became a better person. It's been almost three years since I worked for Hamilton County, and even now when preparing for work meetings or presentations, I try to prepare myself for the John McPherson questions.

Thank you John.