Book Review: Great Leaders Ask Questions

Book Review: Great Leaders Ask Questions January 26, 2016

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I believe in the power of asking good questions and listening to how people respond.

There was a time when I thought the most important part of any question was the answer. As an attorney, I cross-examined witnesses. I knew what answers I wanted them to give, and hoped I could fit them together to build my case. My questions were my way of leading them to say what I wanted them to say.

The cross-examination questions I asked are even called “leading questions.”

At the beginning of his book Great Leaders Ask Questions, Bob Tiede describes himself as a recovering teller, often tempted to tell people what to do.

We tend to think of leadership as being about telling people what to do. We tend to assume leaders stand in front of groups of people giving directions. When these leaders do ask questions they are often like cross-examination.

Great Leaders Ask Questions is a focused, readable book about leading with questions. Filled with stories and illustrations, Bob demonstrates how to lead by asking, not telling.

This book helps me understand more about the value of asking good questions each time I read it. I enjoy being reminded of questions to ask and remembering the stories.

My favorite question from the book, at least right now, is Why? The story illustrating it asks Why? five times at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC.

Another great thing about Great Leaders Ask Questions is that it is free. Just click on the link to visit Bob’s website and download a copy.

Questions have made significant differences in my life. We tend to remember questions we have been asked longer than answers we have been given.

What is the most powerful question anyone has asked you today?

Do you have any most effective, or favorite, questions to ask?


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