Better Questions, Better Leadership

Curiosity isn’t just a mindset—it’s a skill

As a coach, I’ve learned that curiosity is one of the most powerful tools in leadership. It’s not about having the right answers—it’s about asking the right questions.

The other day, I watched a kid at the park get halfway up a climbing structure and freeze. A nearby parent called out, “Be careful!”—which, while well-intentioned, didn’t really help. What the child needed wasn’t a warning, but guidance that encouraged awareness and thinking. Something like, “Look to your right. What do you see?” or “What’s your next move?”

That same principle applies at work.

Too often, managers default to yes-or-no questions: “Did you finish that project?” Instead, try: “How did you approach the challenge?” or “What’s your next step from here?”

Open-ended questions invite reflection and build trust. They help your team grow their confidence—and their problem-solving muscles.

Because leadership isn’t about telling people what to do. It’s about helping them figure out how to do it better.

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