How to Lead by Asking Effective Questions

Are you looking for ways to better incorporate problem-solving thinking into your leadership role? As problem-solving leaders, asking effective questions is foundational to creating conditions for better critical thinking and learning.  Daily, intentional practice of asking effective questions, particularly questions of Humble Inquiry, supports both the social and technical components of problem-solving thinking. Introduced by Dr. Edgar Schein, Humble Inquiry is the practice of asking open-ended questions to show genuine respect, improve active-listening, and offer curiosity about another’s thinking.

Join us for a virtual workshop, for introductory learning and practice asking effective questions in support of both the social and technical components of problem-solving thinking and leadership.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Recognize why asking questions is an essential skill that supports the lean leader's role of developing an organization filled with problem-solvers;
• Describe the value and importance of asking effective questions with intention, with an emphasis placed on Humble Inquiry;
• Practice effective questioning;
• Develop a mini personal plan for taking steps to continuing daily practice of effective questions after returning to work.

Schedule: One 3.5 hour virtual session and one 1.5 hour virtual session

Pre-Reading: HBR article "How to Ask Better Questions" by Judith Ross

Recommended Reading: Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling by Edgar H. Schein