Over the years, I have talked about the value of asking questions as a leader. It is a skill I am still working on. It is so much easier to just tell people what to do. After all, isn’t that what you are supposed to do as a leader? Surprisingly, dictating to those around you would be quite limiting for you and your ministry.

If you are like me, you may need help getting started with asking questions. A recent post by my friend Bob Tiede (LeadingWithQuestions.com) offers these suggestions:

  • Ask and give people a chance to think before they respond; don’t fill the silence.
  • Don’t judge their answers; say “yes AND …” instead of “yes, BUT …”
  • Assume that the people on your team are smart and capable, because they ARE.

Give them a chance to lead the way forward.

Here are some questions to ask your team this week, and maybe EVERY week:

  1. How can I help?
  2. What do you think?
  3. What needs to happen next?
  4. What’s possible from here?
  5. What do you need from me?

I love these suggestions. Jesus used this technique as He dealt with the people around Him.

Then he (Jesus) asked them (the disciples), “But who do you say I am?”

Matthew 16:15 NLT

Jesus didn’t ask this for His own information or His own affirmation. He asked because He knew that who they believed He was would make all the difference in their lives. And Peter’s answer was a revelation to those around him.

Again, two men walked away from Jerusalem down the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus joined them and asked a question. “What are you discussing…?” The two men didn’t recognize Jesus and, in frustration, asked, “Are you the only one…who does not know the things that have happened…?” That led to an amazing conversation, as Jesus opened up an amazing Bible study time with the Lord.

Questions can lead us where telling others what we think will never take us.

I almost wrote, “Use these suggested questions this week to increase your leadership.” Instead, let me ASK, “After reading this, what needs to happen next in your ministry?” I’ll wait for you to ponder and then answer.

God’s best,