What Is a Great Question?

by John O. Burdett

In an era where knowledge alone no longer defines leadership, the ability to ask great questions has become a critical skill. A well – crafted question disrupts predictable dialogue, challenges assumptions, and leads to deeper insights—whether in a high-stakes interview, a strategic meeting, or a coaching session. The right question shifts conversations from rehearsed responses to genuine reflection, moving organisations towards clarity and innovation.

In today’s climate, leadership is less about providing the right answer and far more about asking meaningful questions. Success is rooted in curiosity, focusing on a single idea, “following the breadcrumbs,” and the capacity to listen.

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Contents:

  1. Be Authentic.
  2. Questions Asked from a Defensive Position Are Easily Deflected.
  3. Keep It Simple.
  4. Follow the Behavioural Breadcrumbs.
  5. Complexity Complicates Things.
  6. Use Different Kinds of Questions.
  7. Avoid the Hypothetical.
  8. Become a Competency Counterpuncher.
  9. The Candidate’s Questions.
  10. If You Don’t Listen – the Question Is Irrelevant.

This article is an extract of content © Orxestra® Inc. The download is available from the TRANSEARCH International website.

John O. Burdett is founder of Orxestra® Inc. He has extensive international experience as a senior executive. As a consultant he has worked in more than 40 countries for organisations that are household names. John has worked on organisation culture for some of the world's largest organisations. His ongoing partnership with TRANSEARCH International means that his thought leading intellectual property, in any one year, supports talent management in many hundreds of organisations around the world. Get in touch with John O. Burdett »

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