What is a good question to ask when assessing current workflows?

Question

Options

• AHow many different types of print cartridges do you have on hand today?
• BHow many HP printers and flow MFPs would you like to purchase today?
• CIf we can improve your bottom line, would you consider this project a success?
• DWhat problems are you experiencing, and how would you like to see these things change?

• A
  74% (17)
• B
  9% (2)
• C
  4% (1)
• D
  13% (3)

Explanation

There appears to be an error in the answer key provided - the marked correct answer (A) does not match the question.

Option D is the correct answer for "assessing current workflows."

Asking "What problems are you experiencing, and how would you like to see these things change?" is a classic needs-assessment question. It opens a consultative conversation, uncovers pain points in the current workflow, and surfaces the customer's desired future state - all essential information for understanding how things currently work and where improvement is needed.

Why the other options are wrong:

• A ("How many print cartridges do you have on hand?") is an inventory question about supplies, not a workflow assessment question. It gives no insight into processes or problems.
• B ("How many HP printers would you like to purchase today?") skips assessment entirely and jumps straight to a purchase decision - classic mistake of selling before understanding.
• C ("If we can improve your bottom line, would you consider this project a success?") is a value-based closing question, useful later in the sales cycle but not for assessing current workflows.

Memory tip: For workflow assessment questions, think open-ended + problem-focused. The best assessment questions start with "What," "How," or "Why" and invite the customer to describe their current situation - not answer with a number or a yes/no.

I'd recommend verifying the answer key with your course materials, as A appears to be a typo or error.

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