🔍 The Coaching Mindset: Why Great Leaders Ask More Than They Tell

In leadership, it’s tempting to believe our value lies in having the answers. After all, experience, expertise and decision-making are part of why we’re in the role.

But in my work supporting leaders through cultural and organisational change, I’ve seen time and again that the most impactful leaders are not the ones who speak the most - they are the ones who ask the best questions.

Why?
Because telling solves the problem in front of you. Asking unlocks the thinking, ownership and capability to solve the next ten problems.

A coaching mindset shifts leadership from being the driver of solutions to being the enabler of potential. It builds -

• Ownership - People are more committed to ideas they helped shape

• Capability - Thinking muscles, like all other muscles, grow when they are used

• Trust - Asking shows you value their perspective

It’s not about never telling - in moments of urgency or safety, clarity and direction are essential. But when the aim is to grow people, build resilience and embed change, questions are your superpower.

🧰 So next time you’re about to give an answer, pause and ask yourself - What’s a question I could ask instead that would help them figure this out themselves?

💬 In your leadership experience, what’s one powerful question that has shifted a conversation, a project or even a relationship?

One of my favourites is what have you already tried? It’s a simple way to uncover alternative ideas, explore options and give individuals ownership of their next steps.

#Leadership #CoachingCulture #ChangeLeadership #AskDontTell #GrowthMindset #StrategicLeadership #LearningTogether