The question great managers ask instead of giving answers

Overview The article introduces a simple but powerful shift for managers: instead of providing direct answers, they ask a single, thoughtful question that guides the team toward their own solutions. By doing so, managers foster ownership, improve problem-solving skills, and boost overall team performance.

Key Takeaways

• Asking the right question encourages autonomy and critical thinking.
• Teams become more resilient and quicker to solve future problems.
• Managers spend less time giving answers and more time coaching.
• The approach improves communication and reduces bottlenecks.

Who Would Benefit

• Engineering managers looking to develop high-performing teams.
• Technical leaders who want to improve decision-making processes.
• Team leads seeking better meeting effectiveness.
• Anyone interested in fostering a culture of ownership.

Frameworks and Methodologies

• None