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"While I honestly wasn't conscious of it, Gary's notion of 'leading by asking' nicely captures my own style. This approach creates a more collegial attitude, it opens dialogue and shows respect for those who are closer to and have responsibility for the issues. In many cases it is also appropriate because each generation seems to be smarter than the last. As a tool, Gary's book can raise everyone's awareness of the social and intellectual power of asking rather than telling."

Captain James A. Symonds USS Ronald Reagan - Nimitz
class aircraft carrier.

Business Coaching

What Is My Guiding Question?

“Ohm........” Meditators use sounds like this one to help them find peace, harmony, and direction. These sounds are repeated over and over again until they become ingrained. In the meditation process, the day’s irritations-sirens, horns, slips, spills, criticisms, etc.-slip away.

Guiding questions can have a similar harmonic effect. They can make sorting through distractions and options much easier. Not surprisingly, many leaders find them invaluable. Greg Farrell, President and CEO of Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, said to me, “You know, Gary, the question I am wrestling with is not should I work with a guiding question, but what guiding question should we work with when setting up each expeditionary learning model?”

Read the article that elaborates on the message shared above and in ths cartoon.