When there is a problem, where do leaders begin to address it? A good place to start is going to the employees directly affected by the problem and asking questions about the issue—without it seeming like an inquisition. Developing a tactical approach to questioning employees to understand problems will also save time and money.

Questioning for thought-provoking insight and understanding, and for inducing more in-depth thinking in another individual, is a highly disciplined process. The questioner must act as “an inner critical voice,” which expands the other person’s mind to skillfully develop deeper critical thinking abilities. All of the thoughts must be dealt with, weighed, and carefully analyzed in an unbiased and fair manner.

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