A Leader Who Asks Better Questions Grows

Willingness to Ask Questions — Rick Boxx

One question from today’s CBMC International Monday Manna stayed with me: “Was there anything at all that we could have done better?”

It sounds simple. But it takes courage to ask—because we may not like the answer.

As leaders, entrepreneurs, consultants, and professionals, we are often expected to provide answers, make decisions, solve problems, and lead with confidence. But mature leadership also requires the humility to say: “What am I not seeing?”

Feedback can expose blind spots in our leadership, customer experience, systems, and even our personal habits. Sometimes, the feedback that makes us uncomfortable is exactly what can help us grow.

Proverbs 1:5 reminds us: “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” Wisdom is not knowing everything. Wisdom is remaining teachable.

There is a difference between asking, “Did I do well?” and “What could I have done better?” One may seek affirmation; the other intentionally seeks improvement. And improvement sometimes requires friction.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

We need people who care enough not only to affirm us, but also to challenge us—mentors, colleagues, customers, team members, friends, and fellow leaders who can tell us what we need to hear.

Then comes perhaps the more difficult leadership discipline: listen without immediately defending yourself. Not every criticism is correct. Not every recommendation should be followed. But sincere feedback deserves thoughtful consideration.

Questions worth asking

• What am I not seeing?
• Where can I improve?
• What should I stop doing?
• What should I start doing?
• How can I serve better?

ASK BRAVELY. LISTEN HUMBLY. LEARN CONTINUALLY. IMPROVE INTENTIONALLY.

Because sometimes our next breakthrough in leadership, business, or personal growth will not come from having a better answer. It will come from having the courage to ask a better question.

Great leaders don’t know everything. They simply never stop learning.