The Leadership Project Podcast

283. The Leadership Power of Asking Better Questions with Mick Spiers


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What if the mark of extraordinary leadership isn't found in having all the answers, but in asking the right questions? This eye-opening episode distills powerful insights from recent conversations with leadership experts Gary Cohen, Scott Burgmeyer, and Joe Davis—revealing a leadership framework built on curiosity, development, and generosity.

Gary Cohen's journey from founding a company to growing it to 2,200 employees taught him a crucial lesson: leaders who constantly provide answers become organizational bottlenecks. The pivotal shift happens when leaders move from information-gathering to asking questions that empower others to think, act, and own solutions. This simple change transforms you from an answer-giver to a true multiplier, unleashing potential throughout your organization while satisfying people's fundamental needs for autonomy and recognition.

Scott Burgmeyer adds another dimension by emphasizing that leadership isn't just about leading today's business—it's about consciously building tomorrow's leaders. His powerful personal journey reminds us that often we can't "read the label from inside the jar"—sometimes others see leadership potential in us before we recognize it ourselves. The true measure of leadership becomes not just what you accomplish, but who you develop along the way.

Joe Davis completes this leadership trifecta with his concept of "generous leadership"—bringing vulnerability, authenticity, and genuine presence to your role. This approach isn't weakness; it's creating the psychological safety needed for teams to acknowledge mistakes, seek help, and collaborate effectively. Perhaps the most valuable gift? Your undivided attention—increasingly rare in our distracted world, yet precisely what makes people feel truly seen and valued.

These insights are further enriched by glimpses into our new Psychology and Leadership series, exploring how understanding the brain's functioning transforms leadership effectiveness. From the astonishing case of Phineas Gage to recognizing how our unconscious patterns influence decisions, these psychological insights help us lead with greater intention and empathy.

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🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to [email protected] and we can arrange it for you too.

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The Leadership Project PodcastBy Mick Spiers

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