Leadership Experts Advocate Asking Questions Over Advice

In modern leadership, the abundance of advice—often amplified by AI—can overwhelm rather than help, as it typically addresses problems without considering individual context or emotions. Effective leaders create space for reflection by asking questions like 'What do you think?' instead of rushing to offer solutions, allowing others to think out loud and find clarity themselves. Training leaders to resist the urge to give advice is challenging but crucial, as unsolicited advice often leaves people feeling misunderstood and smaller, as illustrated by the example of Jane, who felt anxious before a presentation yet received unhelpful platitudes from her manager. The key to leadership coaching lies in curiosity about individual experiences and perspectives rather than quick fixes. This approach encourages deeper understanding and supports personal growth, moving beyond the flood of answers to foster meaningful dialogue. Ultimately, great leadership is about empowering others through thoughtful questioning rather than providing automatic answers.