Powerful Questions, #leadership thru curiousity

I like to lead. My idea of leading is to drive projects forward to the goal and outcome planned, and to be seen as a creative, idea person… a smart person that knows the answers…  But I am learning that real leadership is not about answers. And it is definitely not about being the smartest person in the room. It is much more about courage, faith, caring, and questions.

And the very best questions are powerful. Powerful questions.

I first learned this concept from Lyssa Adkins and Michael Spayd in their Agile Coaching Institute classes.

Briefly, powerful questions are open-ended, asked from a perspective of curiosity, inviting creativity and possibility.  

Powerful questions are also a little bit like swiss-army knives. When you have one good one, it works in multiple circumstances.

Here are a few to try:

If we had everything we needed for this then how would it look?

If we could do anything, what would it be? (Lyssa Adkins)

If we do xyz successfully, what else will be true?

And here are some resources;

http://www.coachingagileteams.com/2008/04/15/agile/powerful-questions-for-agile-teams/

http://www.hanoulle.be/2011/12/agile-thursday-quiz-powerful-questions/

http://www.lgec.org.uk/resources/assets/files/Vogt_Handout_Appreciative_inquiry_asking_powerful_questions_110904.pdf

Real leadership is about asking powerful questions. Encouraging ( -couraging ) others. Creating space for other solutions.

Tags: leadership, questions