The Secret of Asking Great Questions
Leadership in 180 Seconds: 14 Secrets of Influential Leaders
Want to elevate your leadership impact? Stop telling and start asking. The best leaders don’t have all the answers—they have the best questions. In this episode, we unpack the power of inquiry, how the right questions unlock engagement, and why curiosity is the ultimate leadership tool.
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Have you ever been in a meeting where one question completely shifts the conversation? It’s like a lightbulb moment—suddenly, the room is engaged, ideas flow, and people start thinking differently.
Great leaders know that influence isn’t about always having the best answers—it’s about asking the best questions.
The right question does more than just seek information. It sparks curiosity, encourages ownership, and makes people feel valued. Socrates built an entire teaching method around this idea, and modern leadership research backs it up. A study by MIT found that leaders who ask open-ended, thought-provoking questions are 30% more likely to foster innovation in their teams. That’s a huge competitive advantage—just by shifting from telling to asking.
But here’s the challenge: Most of us are wired to give our opinions quickly. We want to add value, to sound knowledgeable, to solve problems. But real leadership influence isn’t about dominating the conversation—it’s about guiding it.
So, the next time you want to steer a discussion, resist the urge to immediately give your thoughts. I hear you asking, ‘what are some great questions I can use?’ The reality is that in my personal leadership, I have found that any and every question is a great one. Even if your team respond with a resounding ‘no’, or are confused by what you’re asking, every question will eventually lead to greater understanding and clarity.
When you ask any questions, you’re not just leading—you’re empowering. You’re helping your team think critically, solve problems, and take responsibility. That’s the kind of leadership that doesn’t just demand respect but earns it.
So, before your next meeting, ask yourself: Am I here to give answers, or am I here to ask the questions that create real impact? Because the fastest way to grow your influence is to help others think for themselves.