Inspiring Leaders ask great questions.

During my conversation with Maryann Young from Queens Smith School of Business I was reminded of the power of really great questions.

Maryann told me about an inspiring leader who helped her grow into her current position as Associate Director of the Masters of Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Smith School of Business. Originally Maryann was hesitant to take on the additional responsibility and didn’t know if she would be the right fit. Her inspiring leader encouraged her to question why she felt she may not be “ready”. He took the time to listen but also asked questions like “What is holding you back?”, and “How might we overcome those challenges?”

Whether you’re having a conversation about career path or problem solving for a project, sometimes it can feel easier to just tell someone what to do. We want to save them the time and agony of figuring it out on their own, but ultimately we do not create an opportunity for learning that way. Being able to provide the support and the appropriate questions to help them arrive at an answer on their own can be far more powerful.

In Maryann’s case, her leader understood that this was a difficult decision for her, he didn’t tell her she “should”, or bully her into making the decision. He simply asked great questions that challenged her to reflect. Eventually Maryann saw what he had seen the entire time and is now happier than ever at work in her new role.

Maryann’s advice to start becoming a more inspirational leader today is:

Let people know that your door is open - give permission to your team to come to your office and be vulnerable and discuss what’s really going on for them.
Stay curious and ask questions - You can get a lot more out of your team when you ask things like: “How can I help?”, “What do you need?”, “What would make this easier for you?”, “What are the challenges”

Inspired by this conversation with Maryann, what is a great question you’ve been asked?

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Inspirational LeadershipBy Sarah WellsMay 05, 2022