Are You Asking Questions?

I've met leaders who silently suffer under the pressure of "needing to know."

- FRANCIS J. KONG

I've also been mentored by giants like Dr. Harold Sala and Denis Waitley, who showed me that authentic leadership isn't about having all the answers — but asking the right questions at the right time, and to the right people. That's not weakness. That's wisdom.

Many leaders are reluctant to ask questions because they believe seeking assistance implies failure. Leaders who reach the top often experience genuine concerns about appearing incompetent when they ask for assistance. But research also shows we've been looking at this the wrong way.

According to studies by Harvard Business School, individuals who ask for help or advice are perceived as more competent, not less, because it shows humility, self-awareness, and respect for others' expertise.

There's a difference between being vulnerable and leading through vulnerability.

Over-disclosure represents the first type of vulnerability. Strategic vulnerability represents an intentional approach which enables others while building trust.