Leading with Questions: The Secret Sauce to Empowering Your Team

Let’s be honest—how many times have you been in a leadership position and felt the pressure to have all the answers? If you’re anything like me, the answer is… all the time. But *Leading with Questions* by Michael J. Marquardt and Bob Tiede flipped the script for me in the best way. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions. And let me tell you, that shift has been a game-changer in how I approach everything, from leading teams to managing projects, even communicating with my teenagers and other relationships.

Whether you’re running a small business, organizing community events, or just trying to keep your household in order, this book is packed with gems that will make you rethink what it means to lead effectively. Let’s dive into some of my favorite takeaways and how I’m applying them to my daily life.

The Power of Leading with Questions

The premise of the book is simple: great leaders don't lead by giving all the answers—they lead by asking questions that inspire thought, engagement, and growth. Here’s where this really clicked for me: in my current role, I’m constantly working with nonprofit leaders, small business owners, and even my own team, and I’ve noticed that when I ask instead of tell, it creates room for collaboration and ownership.

For example, when discussing strategies with a nonprofit client or even brainstorming for an event, instead of dictating every move, I’ve started asking open-ended questions like:

"What do you envision for this project? Goals? Economic impact?”

"What’s the biggest challenge you see in reaching that goal?"

This subtle shift has helped me foster more engagement and innovation. People are more invested in the outcome because they’ve had the chance to explore solutions themselves.

Major Takeaways I’m Already Putting into Action

Empowerment through Inquiry: As a mom, a business owner, and someone who works with various teams, I’m no stranger to wearing multiple hats (and maybe losing a few along the way). The book’s emphasis on using questions to empower others hit home. Instead of being the person with all the answers, I’m learning to ask questions that give people space to grow. In my role as the Mainstreet Director, for example, I’ve started using questions during team meetings to guide the group instead of just presenting solutions. The results? More creative ideas and buy-in from the entire team!

Creating a Culture of Learning: This is huge for me as a consultant! We’re working to help non-profits grow, rather than imposing a strict “here’s what to do” approach, I’m integrating a culture of learning by asking: “What do you think we can improve to engage more members?” This approach leads to more meaningful solutions because the team feels part of the process, and we grow together.

The Power of Open-ended Questions: Gone are the days of asking questions that end with a simple yes or no. Now, I’m focused on questions that open up the conversation. I’m constantly exploring new ideas by asking “What’s possible if we think outside the box?” This type of questioning is sparking fresh ideas, like incorporating a community challenge into our events or finding ways to boost traffic to my blog posts.

Favorite Quotes from the Book

Of course, no review would be complete without a few lines that stuck with me:

"The best leaders know that their job is not to provide all the answers but to inspire others to discover them."

This resonated because, let’s face it, I don’t have all the answers, and it feels soo good to know that’s okay.

"Great questions create great conversations, and great conversations lead to meaningful change."

This is the heart of how I approach everything now. Whether it’s asking my team about a new event idea or guiding my daughters through their next big decision, I’m learning that the conversations we have shape our outcomes.

"Leaders who lead with questions open the door to innovation, creating spaces where teams can explore, learn, and thrive together."

This sums up the growth I’ve seen in consulting and even in my personal life—questions unlock potential.

Wrapping it Up

If you’re leading in any capacity—whether it’s a team at work, a community project, or even just leading yourself through life—*Leading with Questions* is the book you didn’t know you needed. I’m taking what I’ve learned and applying it across the board, and it’s making a world of difference. It’s not about having the right answers; it’s about asking the right questions that lead to real transformation.

Want to learn more? Check me on Instagram @candicejgraham, and don’t forget to follow for more leadership tips, personal growth insights, and maybe a few laughs along the way.

Stay tuned for my next review on Kristin Luna’s latest book—it’s going to be a good one!