The Question Great Leaders Choose To Ask

Great leaders ask great questions. They seek feedback from their team before making decisions. In fact, they value feedback so much that they pursue it even though they might hear something they don’t like.

I listened to an Andy Stanley leadership podcast several months ago that provided me with a valuable question that leaders can use in virtually any setting. It can be applied by a youth sponsor, a hockey coach, a parent, or a senior pastor. 

The question was developed by Clay Scroggins and it emerged from two observations he made. Here’s a summary:  

Everyone has an opinion

People want to feel heard. But notice that listening is different than implementing. Most people know it’s not reasonable for their boss to implement all of their ideas, but it makes a tremendous difference when leaders actively listen to the ideas that others have. It provides the team with confidence that their leader is aware of their perspective and it gives everyone value. 

Everyone has an opinion. Don’t you think it would be valuable to know what your teammates are already thinking? 

We live in the evaluation-age 

Social media is proof that people are quick to evaluate others. Even if evaluation isn’t a stated value in your setting, you can be assured that people have an opinion of your leadership and effectiveness. Your actions are constantly being assessed by the people around you (moms and dads might be the biggest victims here!). If you don’t give others space to share the criticisms they have of you, they’ll either share them when you’re not around or keep their thoughts bottled up inside. Neither option is healthy. 

This brings us to the question that great leaders should choose to ask of their team: If you were me, what would you do differently? 

This question invites open-ended feedback while encouraging others to consider the position that the leader is in. Plus, when leaders open themselves up to the opinions of others, it makes it far easier for them to act on what they hear. Asking this question with regularity will develop a culture of healthy evaluation and constructive team-building. 

Most leaders don’t want to receive feedback, but every leader needs it. I encourage you to begin posing this question to the people you are currently leading. 

- Keith Reed