The Leader Lab: Core Skills to Become a Great Manager, Faster

Imagine stepping into a quiet room, watching a manager engage with their team member for 15 minutes. You count every question asked. The average manager asks just two questions in that span. But the great manager? They ask ten. Asking questions is not just a polite gesture; it's a powerful tool that unlocks understanding and builds commitment. These questions are not random—they diagnose the real issues beneath the surface, inviting team members to clarify their thoughts and take ownership of solutions. This simple shift from telling to questioning changes the dynamic from one of control to one of collaboration.

Consider a manager who is eager to help but finds their advice falling flat. By pausing and asking, 'How do you feel about this?' or 'What options have you considered?' they empower their team to think critically and develop problem-solving muscles. This approach also fuels motivation—when people solve their own problems, they move from compliance to genuine commitment.

At first, this might feel counterintuitive, especially for new managers used to being the expert solver. But the science is clear: the best leaders ask more questions and listen more deeply. They resist the urge to jump to conclusions and instead invite exploration. This is the essence of the Q-step, a foundational behavior that sets the stage for all other leadership skills.

As you reflect on your own conversations, notice when you default to giving answers and try instead to ask one more question. It might be as simple as, 'What are your thoughts?' or 'Can you tell me more about that?' Over time, this habit becomes second nature, transforming not only your effectiveness but also the engagement and growth of your team.

With this powerful insight in hand, we now turn to the next essential behavior that great managers use to create clarity and trust: Playback.