#43 How to Ask Better Questions
Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally.
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At 3x5 Leadership, we talk a lot about the importance of listening—and for good reason. Better listening leads to better leadership. But as leaders, we can’t spend our days simply listening without direction. People rely on us to lead them, guide meetings and conversations, and drive discussions toward clarity and problem-solving.
If you’re working on becoming a better listener, we commend you—there is always value in listening more and listening well. In this episode, however, we want to help you get even more out of what your team is already telling you by learning how to ask better questions, with the right intent behind them.
Knowing the right words to ask is one thing. Asking questions with the right intent is something entirely different. We’ll start by exploring why the motivation behind your questions matters just as much as the phrasing, and then we’ll share practical ways to apply this skill, including:
- Using appropriate timing—and intentional silence—when asking questions
- Asking more by saying less
- Offering verbal and non-verbal feedback that shows you’re truly hearing what’s being shared
This episode provides tools we believe you’ll use in every aspect of your work and life, and it complements everything we’ve already discussed about improving communication within your team. You’ll leave each day with a deeper understanding of your people—and they’ll leave feeling genuinely heard and understood.
Related Episodes
Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.
- #1 Three Powerful Questions to Think, Communicate, & Lead Better
- #32 Listening Like a Leader
- #35 The Anti-Humility Trap: When Leaders Talk Too Much
Things Referenced in the Episode
- Book by Brendon Burchard, The Motivation Manifesto.
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Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!
