“Judge a person by their questions, rather than their answers”- Voltaire
In leadership, asking the right questions is a powerful tool. Great leaders recognize that, as individuals, they will never have the answers to every issue or challenge. These same leaders know that they can get the information they need for finding solutions from their employees and colleagues through asking questions. However, these aren’t just any questions… they are carefully crafted and framed to inspire and empower people to consider innovative and alternate ways of thinking, thus increasing the likelihood that the respondent will be open and honest, as well as being engaged and constructive with their answer.
So what are the components of a great question? In my experience as a leadership development consultant and coach, there are five key attributes that go into constructing a question that yields new and insightful information.
Successful leaders develop new perspectives and novel solutions to issues and challenges through seeking fresh and different ideas from those around them. They understand that the best way to get these great answers is to ask great questions.
Please share your thoughts in the comment section below, as I welcome the opportunity to learn from you.