Leadership exists on a spectrum. At one end is the Directive Leader, who controls, instructs, and micromanages. At the other end is the Empowering Leader, who builds trust, asks powerful questions, and enables others to lead.

Where do you sit on the Leaders Who Ask Ladder?

Many leaders believe they empower their teams—yet when put under pressure, they default to directing. This is understandable. It’s often faster and easier to just give the answer. But over time, this creates dependency, not development.

Think about your last leadership conversation. Did you default to telling or did you ask a question that unlocked insight?

The Cost of Always Telling

When leaders over-rely on instruction, their teams:

• Wait to be told what to do, rather than taking initiative.
• Avoid decisions, fearing they’ll make the wrong one, and leading to learned helplessness.
• Feel disengaged, because they perceived that their input isn’t valued.

The Shift to Asking

Great leaders create clarity, curiosity, and confidence. Instead of controlling, they guide. Instead of giving solutions, they spark insight.

Try this: Instead of answering immediately, pause and ask: ‘What do you think?’

This small shift can change everything.

Go Fearlessly – Corrinne