What are some of the most useful tools you use as a leader? Where do you go for fresh thoughts on leading well?
One of the best tools in my leadership toolbox is the “Power Question.” I don’t mean just one question, per se, but rather, the ability to ask a question that helps others think differently about the challenge, situation, or opportunity before us.
As a young, new leader, (and as an old, crusty leader!) I thought I needed to be the information expert and one with all the answers to the questions my staff asked me. But the burden with that kind of "omni-view of leadership" is that I don’t have time to actually lead : I’m too busy trying to solve everybody’s problems!
Asking powerful questions often means using open-ended questions and not giving advice, rather, it's asking my staff to think about their resources and other ideas to solve their problems. These questions tend to be open-ended starting with “Who” “What” “Where” and “How” which require reflection before answering. (“Why” questions tend to be a bit too interrogation-like, resulting in a defensive response.) Often during those reflective moments options are discovered.
Recently, when talking with a staff member about a current ministry challenge, my experience and expertise clearly led me to a great solution. But I decided to test this question method of leadership and it turns out that after a few good questions, the solution the staff member came up with was a much better choice. This staff member thought outside the box, considered other resources, and made a good decision that was in line with how God wired her to serve His kingdom.
Believe it or not, our staff can solve their own problems. We all need someone to listen to us and help brainstorm options so we can make good decisions. My lesson: withhold my advice and ask questions!
Some of my most useful questions:
Some resources I’ve discovered to help build my Question-Asking-Arsenal:
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