Ask Great Questions

Bob Tiede is the “king” of questions and shares articles from others concerning great questions to ask. When he shared recently what he felt were great questions for all leaders to ask their staff-not just when they start but on a regular basis, I had to listen. They came from the General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn in Birmingham, Alabama by the name of Michael Donaldson.

He shared…

To assist me to better organize and prioritize my first days and weeks here leading to the future successes and experiences of our guests and employees into our future, I am asking every employee to write their opinions to a few short open-ended questions about our hotel.   Please do not write your name for such is not the purpose of this exercise. Please return this paper to Michael Donaldson in the next few days… Thank you. 

1.  The first task that Michael should accomplish as the new General Manager of the hotel is to:

 2.  Michael should certainly not ever change the following at our hotel: 

 3.  Michael & Our Hilton Garden Inn Team need to work on improving the follow ASAP – and how:

Thank you for your time on these initial pieces of information.

It is a simple exercise that is often overlooked. Taking the time to ask people what they think, and feel is crucial. To carry this exercise further, there must be a level of comfort and security to be able to ask great questions and receivable actionable answers. Perhaps a survey is not the best method to use; others might be considered.

Another important point is that asking these questions, or any great questions won’t work if you are not prepared to listen to the answers. Leaders are expected to give orders and to know what they are talking about. As leaders advance, they tend to oblige by asking fewer questions and providing more answers. This is precisely the wrong approach.

Martin Zwilling, in an article on improving leadership in inc.com, suggests that “Business professionals and executives must keep reign over a very broad domain. They need to ask the right questions in the right contexts to stay ahead of the game and to empower coworkers to find solutions, embrace responsibility, and become accountable.”

It is a matter of Asking questions isn't just about not knowing the answers - these questions lead to fresh ideas, committed action, and the creation of a new rank of leaders. Zwilling reminds us that “Socrates was the early master of asking the right question, He taught that when you ask questions, you show respect, and you are respected in turn. Of course, even the best question is moot if you don't listen to the answer. Ask. Listen. Learn. Lead.”

Questions are the most powerful way of getting at TRUTH, finding answers, gathering facts, and compiling evidence on which to make better decisions. Who are better to ask than the people closest to the action?