“The wise man doesn’t give the right answers, he poses the right questions,” Claude Levi-Strauss.

In developing and coaching people, we must cultivate the habit of curiosity. At times this can be challenging, we are busy and want to get to the bottom line. Nurturing curiosity requires creativity and intentionality–this can take time.

Questions are critical to curiosity. Asking questions keeps you informed, in touch, and aware. In reality, how many of us invest time in developing good questions prior to a one-on-one meeting? Here is an idea to consider: set aside ten minutes prior to your one-on-one’s and jot down critical questions. Make sure they are open-ended to inspire dialogue. During your meeting STAY CURIOUS, ask more questions as the conversation unfolds. Remember, leaders don’t learn when they are talking (you already know that stuff), we learn when we listen intently.

As a leader/coach see yourself as their thinking partner. Your questions will bring out better thinking which can lead to better behavior, which can lead to improved results. Isn’t that the desired outcome we all want?