By Adam Turteltaub

The words “Socratic Method” tend to conjure up images of law school professors boring into and humiliating ill-prepared students.   But, it shouldn’t necessarily be this way.  Instead, explains Jonathan Rusch, Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center and Principal of DTG Risk & Compliance, Socratic questioning is about learning by asking questions about a topic.

As he wrote in a recent article and shares in this podcast, the object is to ask questions, listen for the answer and then follow up appropriately to ensure you are getting to the heart of the issue.  In addition, rather than the badgering seen in movies, it’s far better to maintain a measured, even tone.

In many ways, it’s an approach reminiscent of the recent DOJ guidance for evaluating compliance programs, which is rich with questions.

Listen in to learn more about the importance of doing your homework, carefully structuring questions, actively listening, focusing on topics (vs. individual questions) and being patient.