In this week’s video blog our expert guide, Don Hadley, discusses the importance of leaders asking questions.

(Flickr – Don Moyer)

One of the most important things leaders can do is to ask questions.  The key is knowing how to use questions.  Asking questions does 3 things:

1)     Questions clarify the future

2)     Questions solidify the past

3)     Questions uncover the next steps that need to be taken

According to an interview with the head of White Castle Foods, their organization believes that as great leaders, leaders should ask questions, listen intently, and then act.  The most important 2 pieces are asking and listening intently.  Unfortunately, many leaders spend their time telling employees within the organization what to do, how to do it, etc.  When leaders ask questions, new possibilities come to light; new skills and capabilities can be developed, etc.

(Flickr – by DoBeRaGi)

One activity that we encourage leaders to do periodically is for one entire day – do not tell anyone anything, just ask questions.  If you are asked a question, answer it with question.

Three things to keep in mind when leading your team(s) with questions:

• What information are you missing or opportunities not being captured by not asking questions?
• Do you or your organization take the time to ask questions on a regular basis versus telling employees how, who, what, where & when?
• Are you using the right types of questions to prompt action?

Depending on your answers to the above questions, it may be a time to develop a new way of interacting with your teams and begin asking questions.  The road to reaching your goals is within reach; let our expert guides help make the road less bumpy!

Your success is in plain sight; it just takes determination and action!  Contact us for your complimentary session by calling 800-786-4332, or email JSabatini@AppliedVisionWorks.com.  It only takes 30 minutes to get started!