Leaders Who Ask Questions
Don’t Fear Asking Questions: Why Great Leaders Ask More and Tell Less
“People will question my leadership if I ask a question.”
I’ve heard this question or some form of it in multiple leadership coaching sessions. However, rather than being something to fear, a key component of effective leadership is the ability to ask insightful and powerful questions. This practice is supported by extensive peer-reviewed research, demonstrating its role in fostering innovation, enhancing team performance, and driving organizational success.
4 Reasons to Ask Questions as a Leader
Build Your Culture
Asking questions is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership. It encourages a culture of curiosity and continuous learning, which is essential for innovation and problem-solving. According to Marquardt (2014), leaders who ask questions rather than provide direct answers empower their teams to think critically and develop their problem-solving skills. This approach not only enhances individual and team performance but also fosters a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Foster Innovation
One of the most significant benefits of leaders asking questions is the promotion of innovation and creativity. Research by Garvin, Edmondson, and Gino (2008) found that organizations where leaders regularly ask questions and engage in inquiry-based dialogue are more likely to generate new ideas and innovative solutions. By asking open-ended questions, leaders can stimulate creative thinking and encourage employees to explore new possibilities and perspectives.
Enhance Team Performance
Effective questioning by leaders also plays a crucial role in enhancing team performance. A study by Tucker, Nembhard, and Edmondson (2007) highlighted that teams led by leaders who frequently ask questions perform better in dynamic and complex environments. These leaders create a safe space for team members to voice their opinions, share their knowledge, and collaborate effectively. This collaborative environment leads to improved decision-making and problem-solving, ultimately boosting team performance.
Encourage Accountability
Questions can also drive accountability and ownership within teams. When leaders ask questions that challenge team members to think deeply about their responsibilities and the outcomes of their actions, they promote a sense of ownership and accountability. According to Argyris (1991), leaders who use questions to encourage reflection and self-assessment help their teams develop a greater sense of responsibility for their work and its impact on organizational goals.
Practical Strategies for Leaders
To harness the power of questions, leaders can adopt several practical strategies:
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage expansive thinking and avoid yes/no questions. For example, instead of asking, "Did you complete the task?" ask, "What challenges did you face in completing the task?"
Be Curious and Inquisitive: Demonstrate genuine curiosity about your team members' thoughts and ideas. Ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into their responses.
Create a Safe Space: Foster an environment where team members feel safe to express their ideas without fear of judgment or reprisal.
Listen Actively: Show that you are genuinely interested in the answers by listening attentively and acknowledging the responses.
Encourage Reflection: Use questions to prompt reflection and self-assessment, helping team members to learn from their experiences and improve their performance.
Conclusion
The ability to ask insightful questions is a hallmark of effective leadership. By fostering a culture of inquiry, leaders can drive innovation, enhance team performance, build trust, and promote accountability. As supported by extensive research, asking questions is a powerful tool that every leader should cultivate to achieve organizational success.
References
Argyris, C. (1991). Teaching Smart People How to Learn. Harvard Business Review, 69(3), 99-109.
Garvin, D. A., Edmondson, A. C., & Gino, F. (2008). Is Yours a Learning Organization? Harvard Business Review, 86(3), 109-116.
Marquardt, M. J. (2014). Leading with Questions: How Leaders Find the Right Solutions by Knowing What to Ask. John Wiley & Sons.
Tucker, A. L., Nembhard, I. M., & Edmondson, A. C. (2007). Implementing New Practices: An Empirical Study of Organizational Learning in Hospital Intensive Care Units. Management Science, 53(6), 894-907.
