I had the best conversation with someone recently about what really goes into the makings of a great leader. Among them, we both postulated, is the ability to guide inquiry. To me, the best leaders are those who create a spirit of curiosity in their organizations both through their actions and their words. After all, effective leadership in Education requires more than just providing answers; it involves asking the right questions. Asking good questions not only fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also promotes collaboration, reflection, and Growth within the school community. Whether engaging with staff or students, school leaders play a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement.

With that backdrop, here are five excellent strategies for school leaders searching for ways to ask good questions of their staff, students, and community:

1. Be Curious and Open-Minded: Effective questioning begins with genuine curiosity and a willingness to listen. School leaders should approach interactions with an open mind, valuing diverse perspectives and insights from both staff and students. By demonstrating curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding different viewpoints, leaders create an environment where individuals feel empowered to share their thoughts and ideas openly. Promoting a culture of curiosity encourages continuous learning and Innovation, driving positive change within the school community.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Open-ended questions encourage deeper reflection and conversation, allowing for multiple perspectives and interpretations. Instead of asking yes-or-no questions that limit responses, school leaders should pose questions that prompt critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression. For example, rather than asking, “Did you understand the lesson?” leaders could ask, “What are your thoughts on the concepts we discussed today, and how do you plan to apply them in your work or studies?” Open-ended questions invite engagement and encourage individuals to articulate their thoughts and ideas more fully.
3. Promote Reflective Practice: Reflection is a powerful tool for growth and improvement. School leaders can facilitate reflective practice among staff and students by asking questions that prompt self-assessment and introspection. For example, leaders could ask teachers, “What strategies did you find most effective in facilitating student learning during today’s lesson, and why?” or ask students, “What challenges did you encounter while completing this assignment, and how did you overcome them?” By encouraging reflection, leaders empower individuals to identify strengths, areas for growth, and actionable steps for improvement.
4. Provide Feedback and Support: Effective questioning is not just about asking questions; it’s also about providing feedback and support based on the responses received. School leaders should actively listen to the input provided by staff and students, acknowledge their contributions, and offer constructive feedback or guidance when necessary. Feedback should be specific, timely, and actionable, focusing on strengths as well as areas for improvement. By offering support and encouragement, leaders demonstrate their commitment to the growth and success of everyone in the school community.
5. Lead by Example: School leaders can model the importance of asking good questions by incorporating inquiry into their own leadership practices. Whether during staff meetings, professional development sessions, or one-on-one conversations, leaders should demonstrate a curiosity for learning, an openness to feedback, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By leading by example, school leaders inspire a culture of inquiry and reflection that permeates throughout the entire school community.

Ultimately, asking good questions is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership. By being curious and open-minded, asking open-ended questions, promoting reflective practice, providing feedback and support, and leading by example, school leaders can cultivate a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement within their schools. Through thoughtful questioning, leaders empower staff and students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and strive for excellence in teaching and learning.

Have a #RoadToAwesome week

Darrin

Tune in this Sunday to “Leaning into Leadership” where my guest Kurtis Hewson and I sit down and talk about development of collaborative responses to student achievement on our campuses.

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Darrin Peppard Dr. Darrin Peppard

Dr. Darrin Peppard is an author, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and growing emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strategies and lessons learned from 26 years in public education to help leaders gain clarity, find joy in their work, and walk in their purpose.