October 2025 | 5min read
If there’s one truth I’ve learned from executive coaching and leadership development – it’s this:
💥 You can’t have all the answers. But you can get great at asking the right questions.
And this is what separates good leaders from great leaders .. along with free food 😁.
According to Gallup research, the best leaders don’t chase certainty. They seek clarity. This happens by asking powerful (coaching) questions that uncover insight, build trust and drive progress.
💥 Asking the RIGHT questions at the RIGHT time!
So, if you’re leading a team, influencing decisions or navigating complexity, the key isn’t having all the answers.
It’s mastering the art of asking better questions – the secret sauce of effective leadership.
Not a sandwich but a strategy
(but a sandwich is always good news!)
Here’s how I teach this in leadership coaching sessions and workshops with senior executives.
It’s called the “KLT Framework” .. Know, Like, Trust.
Three stages that build influence through conversation.
But in practice, it’s more than connection.
It’s a system for asking great questions that lead to better leadership.
1️⃣ Information Gathering
Great questions start with curiosity.
A mix between closed-ended and open-ended, layered in together and well-timed.
When you ask .. “Can you tell me more?” or “What’s driving that decision?” .. you’re not just filling silence. You’re gathering data. You’re giving people permission to be heard.
👉 Remember: the quality of the answer depends on the quality of the question.
This is where you learn what matters most to your people .. and where real leadership communication begins.
NOTE: If you ask me questions about pro wrestling, protein or poutine .. We’ll instantly become BFFS!
2️⃣ Customized Value
Once you’ve gathered insights, it’s about customizing your response .. your perspective, solution, or strategy .. to fit what you’ve learned.
This isn’t interrogation. It’s conversation.
It’s where understanding turns into connection.
You’ll start to find common ground, and from there, you can intentionally introduce diversity of thought.
3️⃣ Build Relationships
Every question you ask and every response you tailor builds trust beneath the surface.
This is where leadership lives .. in connection, not communication alone
As one of my mentors Dr. John Maxwell says, “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”
If you can’t connect with your people, what are the chances you’ll have true leadership and influence with them?
BONUS: Looping for Understanding
There’s one final step most leaders skip: checking for understanding.
Don’t just nod and move on.
Try this:
“Here’s what I heard .. did I get that right, or am I missing something?”
It’s simple but powerful.
It shows humility, creates alignment, and builds trust faster than any leadership slogan ever could or random values painted in your lobby. (I’m hitting a nerve now aren’t I? 😁)
Let’s make this practical
This week, ask yourself:
💬 What great question will I ask today?
💬 What conversation deserves a second question .. not another answer?
And if you’re ready to explore how better questions can elevate your leadership .. let’s talk.
Because great leaders don’t lead with answers. They lead with curiosity.
(C’mon now… one more time for the people in the back!)
Bonus thought
As a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach and facilitator, I see this all the time. Great leaders aren’t the ones with all the answers. They’re the ones asking the right questions.
Gallup’s research backs this up. The best leaders are asking questions that uncover clarity, build trust, and drive real growth.
👉 Worth checking out: What Leaders Are Asking
Conquer yourself!
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