INsight / The Simple Question

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Manila, 9 November 2025 — What does a simple, transformative question sound like?

Story

Yesterday, I joined a leadership development practicum for teams of high school leaders from across Asia. The session was led by college student leaders who had practiced asking open-ended questions to foster connection and engagement.

On reflection, they realized their questions had been too complex, which limited participation. They resolved to focus on simplicity next time—a small shift with big impact.

In our Grow3Leaders community of practice, we’ve also noticed that the most engaging questions are often the simplest. This month, we’re diving deeper into our guide on crafting effective questions and practicing them with intention.

Challenge

Asking simple, open-ended questions is surprisingly difficult. In our coaching experience, developing this skill often takes months of consistent practice. I’m still struck by how much effort it requires—but the payoff is transformative.

Leaders who master this behavior report richer connections, deeper conversations, and more personal insight.

Asking simple questions isn’t just about guiding others—it’s also a tool for self-reflection and self-coaching, helping leaders learn from their own curiosity.

Question

My question for you this week is: What does a simple, transformative question sound like?

Learning to ask open-ended, non-leading questions can change the way leaders connect, reflect, and grow. If you want to explore this with us, join Grow3Leaders.