Today’s leaders should consider using a skill that’s often overlooked, and that is asking questions. The fact is some leaders think that their team looks to them for every answer. To assert that, as a leader, you have every answer to every question is quite naive. While you may think that pretending to know all will build trust, this is simply not the case.
Rather, leaders need to focus on asking essential questions that communicate they do not have every answer. When leaders solicit help from others, studies have found, showing vulnerability and seeking help sends a notion to others that you can be trusted. In turn, this will make you appear more trustworthy.
Ask The Right Questions
Now, we’re not suggesting that you ask pointed questions that will put someone in the spotlight suddenly. An example of this would be, “Is there anything that you’re missing here?” or “How can you increase productivity by 10%?”
Alternatively, ask questions such as:
- How can we better meet customer needs by leveraging third party resources?
- Do you know of any new opportunities that will help create more value than what’s been delivered in the past?
- How can we move from mass-market and standardized products to ones that are more personalized to each customer’s needs?
Focusing questions on big and new opportunities rather than existing ones allows you to sidestep the fear of questioning coming across as a weakness. After all, you’re discussing something new, so there’s no way you could have all the answers.
Involve Others
To make the most out of your questions, make sure to invite collaboration. So, rather than asking the questions in a closed meeting, broadcast them throughout the company and beyond. This is not just about asking questions to your team; it’s also about your brand reaching out to customers for input.
Change the Culture
Volatile times can lead to increased anxiety, and asking these types of questions can also help your team overcome some of their fears. Asking the right questions as a leader helps you communicate that asking questions is not only okay, but important. You’ll find that people are inspired to look for new opportunities and even ask for help when needed.
In the end, such behaviors are needed to create a culture of learning, which is critical because it can help a business thrive. Leaders who learn to ask powerful questions find that they achieve great success with both addressing challenges and seizing new opportunities.
