Good Leaders Ask Great Questions

July 28, 2014
Leadership guru Maxwell, author of more than 65 books, including 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, is a former pastor and friends with Rick Warren and other bestselling Christian authors; his work has a strongly Christian focus. Assuming that readers don’t find this perspective off-putting, they’re likely to find Maxwell’s questions thought-provoking and encouraging; his friendly and conversational tone keeps complex leadership lessons palatable. Asking these essential questions of themselves will help readers learn to ask the right questions of others in the right way and synthesize information effectively. Maxwell addresses questions that will help you understand the people on your team, develop leaders, manage work relationships, guide your own leadership, and navigate leadership transitions, among other topics. The book is studded with memorable catchphrases—“specialize until you’re special”—and end-of-chapter summaries with hundreds of questions designed to help readers in their quest for personal and professional growth. Clear and inspiring, this is a great approach to leadership. Agent: Matt Yates, Yates & Yates.

Starred review from September 1, 2014

Leadership expert and life coach Maxwell (Developing the Leader Within You; 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth) explains the importance of asking questions to develop better ideas, engage others in conversation, and strengthen teamwork. He encourages readers who want to be successful to "embrace asking questions as a lifestyle" and instructs them to call for insightful and probing questions. Part 1, "Questions I Ask," discusses what questions leaders need to ask themselves and what to request of team members. Part 2, "Questions Leaders Ask Me," consists of Maxwell's answers to inquiries directed at him, solicited via social media and his blog. Topics include leadership potential, personal motivation, conflict resolution, and working with difficult bosses. The author concludes by reminding us that quality leaders ask great questions, adding, "They might not always know the answers, but they are made better simply by asking them." VERDICT An intriguing look at leadership with practical advice makes this book beneficial to students of business management and practitioners and to just about anyone who wants to develop and improve their skills.--Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Queens, NY

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