We Have to Take The Responsibility to Ask as the CEO of an Organization

As a CEO, you might feel like you’ve “made it.” You’ve built a company, led teams, and secured key partnerships. But there’s one simple yet often overlooked skill that separates great leaders from the rest—the responsibility to ask.

Too often, leaders assume that their team, board members, or clients inherently understand their needs and goals. After all, they’re smart, experienced professionals, right? The truth is, clarity comes from direct communication. If you don’t ask for what you need—whether it’s a strategic partnership, a team solution, or client engagement—it simply won’t happen.

The best CEOs don’t leave opportunities on the table. They take the initiative to ask:

• To business partners: “Would you be interested in collaborating on this project?”

• To teams: “How do we solve this problem together?”

• To clients: “What do you need from us to create more value?”

Assumptions lead to missed opportunities. Questions drive growth. The responsibility to ask lies with the leader, and mastering this habit can transform decision-making, communication, and business success.

Are you asking the right questions?

Highlights:

00:00 The Importance of Asking for What You Want

00:08 Asking in a Business Context

00:29 Taking Responsibility for Communication

00:43 The Misconception of Assumed Understanding

00:56 Final Thoughts on Asking

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