The Power Of The Question

I have always been an asker of questions. It is part of my curious nature. Several years ago this was reinforced when I became a citizen leader and policymaker as a member of the Indiana State Board of Education and met the now former CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education, Robert Hull. Robert is now a very good friend of mine and he always says that one of our greatest powers as a leader is the power of the question. I have always believed this to be true.

If you read my blog you know I have been doing a post each week using the prompt from our Head Tutor, Anne McCarthy, in the leadership program I am in right now at the University of Oxford Saïd Business School. This week’s prompt was, “What is your own source of power in your organization?” My mind immediately went to the power of the question, my curiosity, and how questions help us to listen and learn.

So what makes the power of the question such an important tool in a leader’s toolbox? 🧰 Here are a few that come to mind:

Encourages Critical Thinking: Asking questions prompts our team members to think critically and creatively. It encourages us to analyze situations, consider different perspectives, and come up with innovative solutions.
Engagement: When we ask questions, it invites participation and involvement from everyone. Everyone deserves to have their thoughts and opinions valued.
Builds Trust and Openness: Open-ended questions create a safe space for dialogue. This helps build trust within the team, as members are encouraged to share their ideas and concerns without fear of judgment.
Facilitates Learning and Growth: Questions can lead to reflection and self-discovery. Just like the prompt from Anne was the inspiration for this post. By encouraging team members to ask and answer questions, leaders promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Clarifies Goals and Expectations: Through questioning, leaders can clarify objectives and expectations. Clarity is so important in organizations.
Enhances Problem-Solving: By asking the right questions, leaders can help identify the root causes of problems and facilitate discussion around potential solutions, leading to more effective problem-solving.
Encourages Accountability: Questions can prompt individuals to take ownership of their responsibilities.

Overall, leveraging the power of questions empowers leaders to create a more dynamic and adaptive team environment.

Byron's Babbles