Using Open Questions in Leadership

In this bonus episode of  The Leaders Kitbag, I’m answering a viewer’s question on the topic of open questions: what they are, why they matter, and how leaders can use them to build trust, deepen relationships, and empower their teams.

Whether you’re looking to create more engaging conversations, understand your team better, or help others find their own solutions, this episode gives you practical examples of how open questions can transform the way you lead.

 

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Podcast Transcript: Using Open Questions in Leadership 

In today’s episode of  The Leaders Kitbag, I’m once again answering one of your questions. 

Now, apologies, I can’t name-check the person who submitted this one. It appeared in the comments months ago, and despite my best efforts, scrolling back through, I just can’t find it again. 

But the question was essentially: Can you talk about open questions? 

Yes, is my answer.
(Terrible joke, I know… but it proves a point.) 

You see, “Can you talk about open questions?” is actually a closed question. A closed question is one that generates a simple yes/no answer, or perhaps just a short phrase. 

Now, to be fair to the gentleman who posted it, that wasn’t his exact wording. But it gives us a great launchpad. 

Let’s get into it. 

What Are Open Questions? 

An open question is one that prompts a more detailed, thoughtful response. It starts with what, how, who, why, or tell me about… 

For example: 

• “If we had no constraints or limitations, what would we do?” 

• “Tell me more about how you’ve come to that conclusion.” 

• “What are the real needs you’re trying to have met in adopting this position?” 

These kinds of questions help us: 

1. Understand someone else’s perspective or stance. 

1. Build stronger relationships and trust. 

1. Generate ownership, engagement, and empowerment 

Open Questions Build Connection 

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I believe that relationships and connection are absolutely fundamental to great leadership. 

When people feel seen, heard and understood, they’re far more likely to step up and go the extra mile. 

Try asking simple, open questions like: 

• “Tell me about your weekend.” 

• “What’s been the highlight of your week so far?” 

And most importantly, actually listen to the response. 

A Personal Example 

When my daughter was younger, I’d often pick her up from school and ask, “How was your day?” 

The answer?
“Good.”
“Fine.” 

…End of conversation. 

So instead, I built a habit of asking two open questions she knew were coming: 

1. “What did you love today?” 

1. “What did you learn today?” 

That small shift sparked much deeper conversations and helped us connect in a much richer way. 

Why This Matters 

Let me leave you with three key reasons why open questions are so powerful for us as leaders: 

1. Empowerment – They encourage people to think for themselves and find their own solutions. 

1. Motivation – People are more engaged and driven when they own the plan. 

1. Understanding – They help us get to the heart of someone else’s viewpoint or concern. 

If there’s a topic you’d like me to talk about in the Leader’s Kitbag, or a specific question you want answered, drop me an email to chat@ben-morton.com and I’ll see what I can do.