Monday Madness
- Tavia Robinson
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
Monday Madness: The Discipline of Asking
“The one who asks questions doesn’t lose their way.”
— Akan Proverb
In high-performing environments, we often reward certainty, decisiveness, and speed.
Yet, one of the most underutilized leadership competencies is the courage to ask powerful questions.
So let’s name the tension:
Why are we afraid to ask?
Often, it’s not a lack of knowledge—it’s ego.
ego /noun/:
That internal narrative that over-indexes on perception, status, and “having the answer.”
In coaching, we recognize ego as the part of the psyche attempting to maintain control—mediating between instinct, values, and external expectations.
Ego, when left unchecked, it can limit curiosity, inhibit learning, and constrain growth.
From a coaching perspective, powerful questioning is a core competency. It’s not about filling space—it’s about evoking awareness, expanding thinking, and facilitating transformation.
Reframing Questions as Leadership Assets
Questions are not a sign of ignorance—they are evidence of intentional leadership.
They:
Broaden perspective and challenge cognitive bias
Sharpen strategic thinking and decision-making
Enhance capability through continuous learning
Signal humility and openness
Strengthen connection through curiosity and presence
Questions keep us aligned. They define—and expand—our boundaries. They dismantle assumptions and unlock new possibilities.
In uncertain and politically charged environments, leaders who ask—rather than assume—create psychological safety, inclusivity, and innovation.
Reflective Questions for You and Your Team:
Where might certainty be limiting your effectiveness as a leader?
What questions are you currently avoiding—and why?
How often do you ask questions to understand versus to respond?
In what ways can you model curiosity to foster a more open, accountable culture?
What would shift if your leadership strategy prioritized inquiry over instruction?
A Coaching Invitation
This week, experiment with intentional inquiry:
Pause before responding.
Ask one more question than you normally would.
Listen not just for answers—but for meaning, patterns, and possibility.
Then observe:
What changes in your conversations, your relationships, and your outcomes?
Call to Action:
Leaders, take this into your next meeting:
Replace one directive with a question.
Invite your team into dialogue.
Create space for voices that may not always be heard.
Because in today’s climate, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating environments where the right questions can emerge.
“The quality of your leadership is revealed in the questions you’re willing to ask.”
You've got this!
Coach Tavia, PCC, MSEd, MAT
#MondayMadness #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #ICFCoaching #PowerfulQuestions #LeadershipMindset #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthLeadership #CuriosityCulture #PsychologicalSafety #InclusiveLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #TransformationalLeadership
References & Perspectives:
How to Ask Great Questions – Harvard Business Review
The Power of Asking Questions: Why You Should Never Hesitate by Jatinjk – Medium
Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color by Iyanla Vanzant
Tavia Robinson
EMPOWER COACHING & CONSULTING, LLC
732.743.5012
You got this!
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