How can you improve your leadership in the kitchen, in the office, in the car, with the neighbor, or with the board by developing the skill of asking great questions?
Guest Post by Bob Tiede
I often get the feeling that many leaders would like to develop the skill of asking great questions, but don’t think they have the time. They perceive that they would have to pursue graduate school and get a Master’s in “Questionology,” in order to “Lead With Questions.” I love to share that I can teach them to start “Leading With Questions” in 30 seconds, simply by memorizing my four favorite questions:
• What do you think?
• What else?
• What else?
• What else?
It may sound too simple, but it really works! Ask people what they think, then continue to drill down by asking:
• “Wow—please tell me more?”
• “This is good—I am taking notes—keep talking?”
• “Please don’t stop now—you are on a roll—what else?”
With each additional “What else?” they become more comfortable sharing, and you actually get to their very best input—the gold nugget—the third or fourth time you ask “What else?”
Try this out and let me know how it works!
Meet Bob Tiede: Bob has been on the staff of Cru for 48 years. He currently serves on the U.S. Leadership Development Team and is passionate about seeing leaders grow and multiply their effectiveness. Bob's blog, LeadingWithQuestions.com is followed by leaders in over 190 countries. Bob and his wife, Sherry, live in Plano, TX, and are blessed with 4 incredible children and 6 remarkable grandchildren. You can reach Bob at bob.tiede@cru.org.
