Lead by asking the right questions – Photo: drlahernandez.com

I have two toddlers under the age of 6. Other than delving in diapers and rhyming homework pretty much on a daily basis, I also deal with questions, unending questions. “Why, mommy, why is the moon not round?” Why can’t I have candy?” “Why can’t I watch Mickey Mouse after 8pm?” “Why is there a bedtime” Why, what, how? Even being a CPA by trade, and questions being my thing, I can barely handle the constant questioning of a toddler…

As important as answers may be, the right questions are crucial not only to performing well, but also to leading well. Especially for women, speaking up and challenging the status quo by raising pertinent questions is the key to unlocking our inner leaders…

Asking questions, good questions, is not as easy as it sounds. It’s actually an art, a lost art to be more precise. While as kids we felt comfortable asking about anything and everything, piercing the mysterious veil of the adult world, as we grow up, we tend to lose our natural, innate curiosity. And the more degrees and letters we get after our names, the more we forget true knowledge is realizing we don’t know it all…

1. Don’t be afraid to ask! The worst answer you can get is no, after all! Rather than operating blindly and ineffectively wasting time on unproductive tasks, ask! What is the best way to tackle this project? How can I minimize inefficiencies? Identify the right resources and people around you, and dig for constructive answers.

2. Upgrade the quality of your questions! If you want powerful, edifying answers, you’ve got to ask powerful questions! Steer clear of questions with negative connotations, such as “What if I don’t complete this project successfully?”, or “How do we deal with this issue?”. Leaders look for solutions, not problems. Change your questions to bring about positive answers, upgrade to positive inquiries such as ” How can I successfully support my team?”, or “What are the best options to fund this project?”

3. Now teach others to ask the right questions! Your team or company is as strong as its weakest link. It’s also your responsibility to teach your team members, direct reports and colleagues to turn problems inside out by asking the right questions. Spread an attitude of inquisitiveness and positive skepticism, train others to challenge the status quo and get the powerful answers they need.

Do you lead by asking the right questions? What are some of the questions you ask most often at work?

The Corporate Sis.