THE POWER OF INQUIRY Leadership Success Through Asking Questions By Connie West, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Regional Vice President, The James Paul Group One often overlooked yet powerful tool in a leader’s arsenal is the art of asking questions. In the dynamic landscape of modern banking, effective leadership isn’t just about giving orders; it’s about fostering collaboration, driving innovation and empowering teams to achieve their full potential. One often overlooked yet powerful tool in a leader’s arsenal is the art of asking questions. Contrary to widespread belief, leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about knowing the right questions to ask. Here’s how incorporating inquiry into your leadership style can lead to greater success for your bank. Primarily, asking questions demonstrates humility and openness. In an industry as complex and rapidly evolving as banking, no one person has all the answers. By asking questions, leaders signal to their teams that they value their input and expertise. This fosters a culture of inclusivity and encourages employees to share their insights, ideas and concerns freely. In turn, this can lead to more creative solutions, better decision-making and a stronger sense of team cohesion. Moreover, asking questions promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills among team members. When faced with a challenge or opportunity, instead of simply providing solutions, leaders can prompt their teams to think critically by asking probing questions. This encourages employees to analyze the situation from different angles, consider diverse options and anticipate potential risks and opportunities. In doing so, teams become more adept at solving complex problems autonomously, which is crucial in a fast-paced industry like banking. Furthermore, asking questions helps leaders gain a deeper understanding of their team members’ strengths, weaknesses and motivations. By actively listening to their responses, leaders can identify individual talents and areas for development, tailor their leadership approach NEBRASKA INDEPENDENT BANKER 19
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