The questions we ask ourselves and others might change the course of lives. Great leaders are those who consistently make good decisions. But how do we become great at making good decisions? By overcoming our instinct to provide answers. Asking rather than telling is the key to unleashing excellence. While telling others what to do might be the quickest way to solve a problem, it impedes long-term growth and innovation. Asking the right questions on the other hand inspires people to explore new ways of doing things and to find the best answers and better solutions. The ability to ask the right questions is one of the most important skills a person should master when leading others whether in business, at home, or in the community.
The key being on asking “the right questions.” Tossing questions in every direction can get really annoying really fast. Good questions have a purpose and result in learning. Always ask yourself whether your question would increase your or others’ learning and help build a positive relationship. Asking always starts with you first. Get in the habit of thinking trough issues before you ask others for information. It shows respect to others’ time, and it would help you ask better questions. The right questions challenge assumptions, stimulate thinking, trigger insights, create energy, and drive for best answers and progress. To ask the right questions, always consider the three P’s: Purpose, Possibilities, and Progress.
Purpose: what can be learned and achieved?
Possibilities: what new ideas and paths can be generated?
Progress: how to support development and growth?
Like any skill, asking the right questions requires continuous practice before it becomes easy and automatic. I highly recommend John Maxwell’s book “Good Leaders Ask Great Questions.” Many of my clients have found it very valuable in improving their ability to ask the right questions and to improve their leadership in both their professional and personal life. The book offers hundreds of questions to ask yourself, your team, your peers, and your family and friends.
I also highly recommend James Curleigh TED Talk about asking the right questions.
I’ll leave you with this TED Talk question:
What questions aren’t you asking today?
