The Power of Questions in Leadership
Great leaders don’t just give orders—they ask the right questions. Thoughtful, strategic questions can unlock new ideas, solve problems, and push teams toward success. The ability to ask powerful questions is a crucial leadership skill that fosters clarity, accountability, and progress.
In a recent episode of the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, Craig tackled one of the most common leadership challenges: how to speak up in meetings and drive decision-making when no one else is taking charge. He shared three essential questions every leader should ask to bring clarity and momentum to a discussion.
The Three Questions Every Leader Should Ask
When you find yourself in a meeting where no decisions are being made, or when a project is lacking direction, Craig suggests asking these three questions:
- What is our ultimate objective?
Before any progress can happen, the team needs to be clear about what they’re trying to achieve. If no one is making a decision, it’s often because the goal itself is unclear. Asking this question helps define the purpose and ensures everyone is working toward the same outcome. - What is the best way to accomplish this objective?
Once the goal is clear, the next step is to determine the best approach. Leaders should guide discussions toward solutions rather than getting stuck in analysis paralysis. Encouraging team members to brainstorm ideas and evaluate options is key to driving progress. - Who is going to do what, and by when?
A meeting without action items is just a conversation. Leaders must assign clear responsibilities to ensure follow-through. When tasks are delegated with deadlines, accountability is established, and momentum builds.
These questions may seem simple, but they are powerful in cutting through indecision and moving teams toward action.
How to Ask Questions Without Seeming Arrogant
The way you ask questions matters just as much as the questions themselves. If you approach leadership discussions with an aggressive or critical tone, you risk putting people on the defensive. Instead, frame your questions with curiosity and humility.
For example, instead of saying, “Why isn’t anyone stepping up to make a decision?” try something like:
“I know I’m new here, and I might not have all the context, but can I ask—what exactly is our goal in this situation?”
This approach makes you seem open-minded rather than confrontational. People are more likely to engage in problem-solving when they don’t feel attacked.
Driving Accountability in Meetings
One of the biggest leadership pitfalls is allowing meetings to end without concrete next steps. Craig emphasizes that passive leaders tend to pass responsibility, which leads to stagnation. To combat this, leaders should always close meetings with clear action items:
- Who is responsible for each task?
- What needs to be done?
- When is the deadline?
This structured approach ensures that discussions translate into real action and that team members are held accountable for their commitments.
How to Ask Great Questions When Learning from Leaders
When meeting with a leader or mentor, the quality of your questions determines the value of the conversation. Craig recommends focusing on how and why questions rather than just what questions.
Instead of asking, “What strategies do you use?” try:
- “Why did you choose this strategy?”
- “How do you approach decision-making in high-pressure situations?”
Additionally, ask about the influences behind their leadership:
- “Who has impacted your leadership style the most?”
- “What books, podcasts, or conferences have shaped your thinking?”
The goal is not just to copy what successful leaders do but to understand how they think so you can apply those principles to your own leadership journey.
The Story Behind Every Great Leader
Finally, one of the most insightful questions you can ask a leader is about the personal experiences that shaped them. Craig suggests asking:
“What’s the story behind your success?”
Every great leader has overcome challenges, learned from failures, and made key decisions that defined their journey. By uncovering these stories, you gain a deeper understanding of leadership beyond surface-level strategies.
Leadership is About Growth
Whether you are leading a team, learning from a mentor, or stepping into a new role, the key to leadership growth is asking the right questions. By fostering curiosity, encouraging accountability, and seeking wisdom from experienced leaders, you position yourself for long-term success.
As Craig says, leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about knowing the right questions to ask.
Leave a Reply