It’s time to embrace

“ask it till you grasp it.”

The most powerful tool in your leadership toolkit?

Asking seemingly simple questions.

Throughout my career, I’ve noticed a paradox:

The most effective leaders often ask great questions that guide the team, rather than solely giving direction.

They’re not afraid to ask questions that might make them appear less knowledgeable.

What these leaders understand is that asking questions is the key to effective communication. It opens dialogues, clarifies understanding, and builds stronger connections.

—  5 Simple Questions

to Start Using  —

“Can you explain that as if I’m new to this topic?” (Ensures clear communication, reveals assumptions)

“What if our current approach is incorrect?” (Challenges assumptions, prevents groupthink)

“Why do we do it this way?” (Questions status quo, sparks innovation)

“What am I missing here?” (Acknowledges blind spots, invites diverse viewpoints)

“How can I be less of a bottleneck?” (Demonstrates self-awareness, empowers team)

—-The beauty of this simple action—-

Simple questions get everyone on the same page quickly
Simple approaches are easier to communicate and replicate
Simplicity cuts through complexity, leading to clearer insights
Simple questions (like these) are more likely to be tried and tested

Your job is to create an environment where smart ideas can emerge from anyone.

Your challenge:

This week, ask the simplest, most fundamental question you can think of in your next team meeting.

What’s the most basic question you’ve asked that led to a breakthrough?