The Power of the Well-Asked Question
The Power of the Well-Asked Question
In leadership, we often focus on what to say—the inspiring speech, the firm directive, the clear feedback. But sometimes, the most powerful thing a leader can do is ask a really good question.
A well-asked question has the power to shift a conversation, open a mind, build a bridge, or spark a breakthrough. It signals curiosity instead of control. Openness instead of assumption. Partnership instead of power.
Why Questions Matter
Research backs this up. A study published in Harvard Business Review found that people who ask more questions are perceived as more likable and trustworthy. In fact, leaders who ask questions, especially follow-up questions, are seen as more emotionally intelligent and more engaged with their teams.
In a world of constant noise and pressure to have the right answers, questions offer a quiet superpower. They:
Build trust: Asking questions shows you value the other person's perspective. According to a PwC study, 22% of employees say a lack of trust is the biggest issue at their workplace; that’s one in five employees. Asking instead of assuming is a simple but profound way to build trust.
Foster transparency: Good questions bring to the surface what’s unsaid or unclear. They bring hidden dynamics into the light—without blame.
Promote psychological safety: Google’s landmark Project Aristotle found that psychological safety is the number one predictor of high-performing teams. And nothing creates psychological safety quite like a leader who says, “What do you think?” and means it.
Drive innovation: Innovation thrives in environments where curiosity is encouraged. A report by McKinsey found that companies where curiosity is nurtured are 30% more likely to be innovation leaders in their sector.
What Makes a Question “Well-Asked”?
Not all questions are created equal. Some are performative. Some are traps. Some are just thinly veiled statements. A well-asked question is one that’s:
Genuinely curious (not leading or rhetorical)
Open-ended (“What’s another way we could try this?” instead of “Don’t you think this is wrong?”)
Respectful of context and timing
Followed by listening, not just waiting to speak
As poet David Whyte says,
“A beautiful question is one that shapes our identity as much by the asking as by the answering.”
How Compassionate Leaders Use Questions
At Compassion Theory, we believe asking great questions is a hallmark of compassionate leadership. It’s how leaders stay connected to their teams without micromanaging. It’s how they uncover needs, strengths, and tensions before they turn into crises.
When we train leaders in the art of asking questions, we highlight how asking questions is central to active listening, emotional agility, and transparency, which are integral to compassionate leadership. Questions open space for others to show up fully and safely.
Try this: Instead of asking, “Are you on track?” ask, “What might get in your way this week, and how can I support you?” That shift creates a whole new conversation.
One Last Question…
What’s a question you could ask today that might build trust, spark creativity, or help someone feel seen?
Because leadership isn’t just about knowing what to say.
It’s about knowing what to ask—and having the heart to listen.
