The question, “Why do you ask?” is typically posed in response to an inquiry that is deemed a bit nosey. It’s actually more of a statement... along the lines of, “Mind your own business!”

But for the purpose of this article, it really is a question—one of, and for, the lean leader’s self-reflection.

What truly is the purpose of the questions we ask? Given that we must always consider the particular situation, the intent of our questions says a lot about our own lean leadership effectiveness.

Do we ask questions targeted primarily to extract information from others so that we can solve the problem for them (maybe despite them)?

Or do we ask questions to develop the critical thinking of others so they can develop their own problem-solving muscle, and so they can learn how to mentor others in a similar way?

In short, the role of the lean leader is to teach and learn—not to fix.

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