If a Leader Had Only One Question They Could Ask
What is the most powerful question a leader can ask?
A question so insightful that it would display leadership in almost any context or situation. A question that projects respect, value, empowerment, and trust.
In the world of questions for leaders, it isn’t even close.
“What can we learn from this?” is a good guess. “What are you facing right now?” is a strong contender.
But if a leader had only one question they could ask, the most powerful inquiry is “What do you think?”
Asking “What do you think?” is a deceptively simple question that speaks volumes about a leader and their appreciation of others.
When a leader asks for input, it shows they respect the other party’s knowledge and perspective. This validation underscores their value and opens the door for an honest dialogue.
Leaders who ask for a view signal that they don’t have all the answers and have yet to land on a conclusion. This openness fosters trust.
When others see that their opinions are welcomed, they speak up. As a pattern emerges and they expect a leader to ask for their view, they come prepared for the conversation and try to find something valuable to say or add.
This builds the kind of connection that encourages openness and develops critical thinking through collaboration.
Not surprisingly, leaders who commonly ask this question build strong relationships where others feel appreciated and respected.
By consistently inviting others to share their views, leaders demonstrate that their conclusions, decisions, and choices are reached by weighing the opinions of others against their own.
They take the time to ask this question and listen deeply to the answer because they are open-minded and not blind to their own biases.
By asking this question of those with far less expertise, experience, and skillfulness, leaders show a humility that builds trust within a team.
Wanting to learn from anyone on any subject conveys that the leader values people over expediency and authority. This creates a model from which a culture of respect, learning, and shared success can take hold.
Of the many questions a leader might ask, “What do you think?” carries the most weight. While other questions might add more value in a given circumstance or situation, “What do you think? is the go-to question for leaders in almost any interaction.
The best leaders ask it frequently. Do you?
More important than the question is the curiosity. Leaders who are genuinely curious about their teammates’ perspectives will ask the best questions.
That curiosity comes from a place of humility and understanding that the leader couldn’t possibly have all the answers. And teammates know that.
-Jenks
A great question to ask. It doesn't come across as accusatory, but inquisitive. To build upon the concept of getting people involved, is timing. I apologize for not remembering where I read this, but the idea of the boss asking for "input" is overshadowed, if the "leader" tells their subordinates what they think first.
If the leader lays out the situation, then asks, "What do you think?," without giving their input, the people they lead who may be thinking something different than the leader, could feel more open to provide the invited input. How many people in a staff meeting want to publicly counter what the "boss" has just suggested? I believe the timing issue aligns with the old saying about great ideas dying on the vine.
I would really enjoy the thoughts of others how this process should end. The leader laid out the situation, asked the great question then...
Thanks for the morning brain warmup.
Be safe.