Monday Mindset: Lead with Questions, Not Answers
In a recent conversation with a friend, we discussed the state of the world we’re currently navigating, and how there doesn’t seem to be a clear, straight path forward. It feels like so much is “up in the air,” and more than ever, it seems there are more questions than answers about what the future holds. Whether we’re looking at the impact of tariffs on non-profits and small businesses or wondering what it means for global trade if the U.S. stands alone, the landscape seems full of uncertainty. With so much unknown, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially when it comes to leading a business, a non-profit, or a community forward.
What do these times mean for local entrepreneurs and business owners? What happens when the flow of goods, services, and resources we’ve come to rely on is disrupted? What if we can’t operate “business as usual?” These questions might feel overwhelming, but they also present opportunities for creative problem-solving and leadership growth.
The Power of Questions in Leadership
In the face of uncertainty, one of the most valuable tools a leader can have is the ability to ask the right questions. Recently, I came across a thought-provoking YouTube video by May Samali titled The Most Successful Leaders Lead With Questions. Samali has worked with hundreds of leaders over the years, and she shares a compelling observation: the most successful leaders are those who lead by asking questions, not just giving answers.
Samali explains, “They don’t just give instructions or quickly solve problems; they lead by listening, questioning, and challenging the status quo. They ask thoughtful questions, listen mindfully, and strive to understand before making decisions.” This is a powerful mindset, especially in times of uncertainty. The ability to lead with curiosity, rather than immediately seeking concrete solutions, enables leaders to better understand the challenges and opportunities around them. This approach builds trust, fosters collaboration, and ultimately leads to more informed and effective decision-making.
Embracing the Uncertainty: A New Perspective
This mindset of leading with questions can be transformative, not just for business leaders, but for anyone navigating uncertainty. Recently, one of our entrepreneurs at WEBB shared an interesting perspective. He said that he’s not worried about the future – in fact, he’s excited about the opportunities that may arise from the chaos of what’s to come. It’s a refreshing perspective, one that recognizes that in times of disruption, new solutions, new ways of thinking, and new opportunities often emerge.
In the face of disruption, there’s a certain magic in embracing the unknown. The world is constantly changing, and by asking the right questions, we can adapt, innovate, and lead in ways that respond to the needs of the community, rather than simply reacting out of fear or panic.
Leading Change Through Questions
So, as we head into business planning mode or interact with clients and customers this week, we might ask ourselves: What questions do we need to ask to truly understand the challenges our community is facing?
The best business plans, after all, begin with a problem. But before we can offer a solution, we need to understand the problem deeply. So, what are the problems or concerns that people around us are expressing? How can we listen to these concerns with an open mind, and consider how our services, products, or leadership can address those needs?
When you’re crafting your business strategy or thinking about how to serve your community in these uncertain times, try asking yourself:
- What are the key challenges people in my community are facing right now?
- How do my products or services help solve these problems?
- What additional support or resources can my business provide to help people navigate this uncertainty?
- How can I communicate my solutions with confidence and authority, knowing that I am truly helping?
As business leaders, it’s essential that we don’t simply move forward with a rigid plan, but instead remain flexible and open to the insights we gain through thoughtful questioning. The answers we seek may not be immediately obvious, but the process of asking the right questions will help us better understand our role in the ever-changing landscape.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The questions we ask, paired with an openness to listen, are essential to moving forward with purpose and confidence. In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of the future. But by engaging in conversations, asking thoughtful questions, and remaining curious, we can start to chart a path forward – not just for ourselves, but for our communities as well.
When we lead with questions, we not only gain clarity for ourselves, but we also empower others to share their insights and perspectives. In doing so, we build stronger connections, foster deeper collaboration, and navigate uncertainty together.
The most important thing is that we keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear. As leaders, we have the ability to guide others through the unknown, and in doing so, we create a space for growth, learning, and innovation. The uncertainty of today may be daunting, but with the right questions, we can create a tomorrow that is full of possibility and opportunity. Together, we will find our way.