I agree that the practice of "just answer the freaking question" is a good policy and not only for communication with C-level suits, but when answering a question from anyone.
However, sometimes the question itself makes it very clear that person asking it has missed the clue-bus and is operating under a deep misunderstanding of the situation.
Those situations require the courage reframe the discussion and NOT answer the question.
However, sometimes the question itself makes it very clear that person asking it has missed the clue-bus and is operating under a deep misunderstanding of the situation.
Those situations require the courage reframe the discussion and NOT answer the question.