Why I Ask More Questions Than I Answer

When I first worked as a consultant, I thought my job was to have the answers. I've since changed my mind completely.

My job is to ask the questions that are hard to ask from the inside. Because when you're running a business — or leading a team, or executing a strategy — you're inside it. Your perspective is shaped by your history, your assumptions, your relationships, and the pressure of the day-to-day.

An outside perspective isn't more intelligent. But it is unencumbered. It can see things you can't. Not because you're not capable, but because proximity creates blind spots.

The most valuable thing I do for the leaders I work with is often the simplest. I ask a question they hadn't thought to ask themselves. And sometimes that's enough to unlock something significant.