Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Power of Asking Good Questions

Asking questions is one of the most powerful tools we have for learning, growing, and solving problems. Yet, not all questions are created equal. The quality of the questions we ask can shape the answers we receive, influence our thinking, and open doors to new possibilities.

In December 2024, I was in Madrid delivering a workshop on asking the 'right' questions. Six months before that, in the Czech Republic doing the same.

Groups discussing questions - Workshop in Czech Republic 2024

In 2025, all the roles that I've had in my portfolio have made me reflect further on 'questioning' and what 'good questioning' looks like.

Why Asking Questions Matters More Than You Think

Questions drive curiosity and discovery. They push us beyond what we already know and challenge assumptions. When we ask good questions, we:

• Clarify understanding: Good questions help us grasp complex ideas by breaking them down.

• Encourage deeper thinking: They prompt reflection and analysis rather than surface-level answers.

• Stimulate creativity: Questions open the mind to new perspectives and possibilities.

• Build connections: Asking questions shows interest and invites dialogue, strengthening relationships.

• Guide decision-making: They help identify priorities, risks, and opportunities.

  
  

For example, instead of asking “Is this project going well?” a better question might be “What specific challenges are we facing in this project, and how can we address them?” The latter invites detailed insight and problem-solving.

Characteristics of Good Questions

Not every question leads to meaningful answers. Good questions share certain traits:

• Open-ended: They cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, encouraging explanation.

• Clear and focused: They avoid ambiguity and target a specific topic.

• Purposeful: They have a clear goal, whether to learn, solve a problem, or explore ideas.

• Challenging assumptions: They question the status quo and invite reconsideration.

• Encourage reflection: They prompt thinking about feelings, motivations, or consequences.

  
  

For instance, instead of “Did you like the presentation?” ask “What part of the presentation resonated with you the most, and why?” This invites a richer response.

How Good Questions Drive Personal Growth

Asking good questions helps us understand ourselves better. Reflective questions encourage self-awareness and learning from experience. Consider these examples:

• What did I learn from this experience?

• How did my actions affect the outcome?

• What could I do differently next time?

  
  

Inevitably, questions of this kind will be seen in my own portfolio largely through Portfolio People events - mainly our netwalks. Be it through one on one conversation or natural coaching that comes via these dialogues.

Using Questions to Improve Communication

Effective communication depends on understanding others. Good questions show genuine interest and invite others to share their thoughts. This builds trust and openness. For example:

• “Can you tell me more about your perspective on this?”

• “What concerns do you have about this approach?”

• “How do you see this affecting your team?”

  
  

These questions create space for honest dialogue and collaboration. I see this in great leaders - asking a question with genuine curiosity, listening to the response and crucially, acting on the output of that conversation.

Working with young people a lot this year, if an environment or exercise makes space for them to ask questions, and for those on the receiving end not to feel threatened or defensive by questions, we're building more resilient adults in the future.

Questions as a Tool for Problem Solving

When facing challenges, asking the right questions can uncover root causes and solutions. Instead of jumping to conclusions, good questions help analyze the situation:

• What is the real problem here?

• Why is this happening now?

• What resources do we have to address this?

• What are the possible consequences of each option?

  
  

This approach leads to more thoughtful and effective decisions. I see and use this one most in my capacity as part of the Projects Team in a major transformation program. With countless workstreams, decision makers and subject matter experts, asking questions is second only to getting the right people in the right place at the right time. Spinning plates and conflicting diaries ain't the half of it. By asking good questions, you can help prioritise, and others can also - there are only so many hours in a day after all!

Teaching and Leading Through Questions

Leaders and educators who ask good questions empower others to think independently. Instead of giving answers, they guide discovery by asking:

• What do you think is the best way forward?

• How would you approach this challenge?

• What assumptions are we making here?

  
  

This encourages ownership and creativity, fostering a learning culture.

In my portfolio, this may be seen most in my Toastmasters world. Whether it be through mentoring other leaders, receiving feedback through evaluation questions to enhance speeches, or to reflect on the power of good questions in the context of off the cuff answers. If the answer was not relevant nor that good, what does it say about the question?

Asking the right questions in Madrid

Interested in bringing a workshop on questioning to your group or workplace? Enquire now.