Building Championship Teams: Business Leadership Lessons from Phil Jackson
July 10, 2024
In the fast-paced world of business, where decisions are made in the blink of an eye and deadlines loom large, there’s a secret weapon that often goes overlooked. It’s not a cutting-edge technology or a revolutionary management technique. It’s something far simpler, yet infinitely more powerful: the art of asking questions.
Picture this: You’re in a boardroom, surrounded by your team. The air is thick with tension as you face yet another seemingly insurmountable challenge. What do you do? You lean forward, look your team in the eye, and ask, “So, how was your team able to complete the project on time and under budget?”
This simple question could be the key that unlocks a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and solutions. It’s not just about getting answers; it’s about igniting minds, sparking conversations, and paving the way for breakthrough ideas.
As a leadership consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how the right questions can transform organizations. I’ve witnessed executives go from struggling to soaring, all because they learned to harness the power of inquiry. It’s like watching a master chef at work – they don’t just follow recipes; they taste, they experiment, they ask, “What if?“
But here’s the kicker: there are no stupid questions. That seemingly “dumb” question you’re hesitating to ask? It could be the game-changer your team needs. It could bridge the gap between departments, like when you dare to ask, “It seems to me there was a disconnect between the design team and the engineering team that built the product. What do you think happened?”
Questions are the lifeblood of innovation and problem-solving. When faced with a challenge like, “The software program isn’t working as well as you expected. Is the issue with the software itself or the people who installed it?”, you’re not just seeking information. You’re opening doors to new possibilities, encouraging your team to think critically and creatively.
So, to all the leaders out there, I challenge you: Embrace the power of questions. Make them your secret weapon. Use them to dig deeper, to understand better, to lead more effectively. Remember, every great leader in history didn’t just have all the answers – they knew how to ask the right questions.
In a world where everyone is scrambling for answers, be the one who asks the questions that matter. Because in the end, it’s not about having all the answers – it’s about asking the questions that lead to breakthroughs, innovation, and success.
Are you ready to transform your leadership through the art of asking? The next game-changing question could be just a conversation away.
The Future Is Now
Jesus (Jes) Vargas is the Principal at DPMG Corp in Sacramento, CA. He and his team consult, coach, and mentor business leaders in strategic planning, leadership development, and project management.
They’re ready to help clients plan a new product or fine-tune an existing marketing strategy.
