Book of the Week: Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John Maxwell

Ever heard that old saying, “Curiosity killed the cat?” Well, I think curiosity made the leader. And no, I’m not saying leaders have nine lives (although it might feel that way on the tough days). Whether you’re running a business, managing a team, or just trying to herd your kids out the door on time, one thing’s for sure: asking great questions can make or break your success. That’s why this week’s book, Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John Maxwell, needs to be on your nightstand.

Maxwell’s got this brilliant way of flipping the leadership script. His big idea? Leaders don’t have to have all the answers (go ahead and breathe out that sigh of relief). Instead, great leaders ask the right questions. Why? Because questions unlock progress, spark creativity, and pave the way for meaningful conversations.

Why Asking Questions Makes You a Better Leader

Think about the last time you had a truly awesome conversation with someone. Chances are, they didn’t just sit there barking orders like a drill sergeant. They asked you thoughtful questions, listened to what you had to say, and left you feeling valued. That’s exactly what Maxwell wants leaders to do.

He makes a compelling case for why great questions matter. They’re not only the key to learning and problem-solving, but they also build stronger connections with the people you lead. (Take it from me: barking at your team like they’re naughty dogs doesn’t build trust.) Maxwell shows how questions can turn a conversation from “meh” to meaningful, and that’s where real growth happens.

A Few Nuggets of Wisdom from the Book

---

Start with Yourself

Maxwell’s first piece of advice is a curveball. He says that before you go asking others questions, you need to ask yourself a few tough ones. Are you clear on your goals? Are you open to feedback? Are you even paying attention to what your team needs? Honest self-reflection is step one. If you’re not leading yourself well, how can you expect anyone to follow you?

Ask to Empower, Not Control

Picture this. You’ve got a team member who’s stuck on a problem. Instead of swooping in like a superhero and giving them a quick fix, Maxwell suggests you flip the script. Ask them, “What options do you think we have?” or “What do you think the next step could be?” It shifts the responsibility back to them and builds confidence. It’s like giving someone the hammer instead of just handing them the nails.

Upgrade Your Meetings

Admit it, most meetings are snooze-fests, right? Maxwell emphasizes using questions to make meetings dynamic and engaging. Instead of rattling off updates, try starting your next meeting with, “What’s one thing we could do this week to serve our customers better?” Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Be Curious, Not Judgy

Here’s a gem from Maxwell that all leaders need tattooed on their foreheads (figuratively, of course): The point of asking questions isn’t to catch someone off guard or call them out. It’s to understand. When you genuinely listen to the answers, you’re not just solving problems; you’re building relationships.

Why This Book Belongs On Your Shelf

Leadership isn’t about standing on a pedestal and shouting orders. It’s about rolling up your sleeves and figuring things out with your team. Maxwell’s book isn’t just a toolkit for better conversations; it’s a whole new way of seeing leadership. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to inspire their team, boost results, and maybe even sleep a little better at night.

And here’s the kicker. Maxwell doesn’t just give you fluffy ideas. He gives you practical tips you can use immediately. Whether you need to lead a brainstorming session or have a heart-to-heart with a struggling employee, this book has got you covered.

Time to Ask Yourself Some Questions

If you’ve made it this far, I’ll leave you with this zinger. What kind of leader do you want to be? The one with all the answers, who ends up doing everything themselves because no one else feels trusted? Or the one who asks questions that challenge, motivate, and inspire the people around them?

Great leaders don’t just know the way. They find the way by asking great questions. Maxwell’s book is a crash course on how to do exactly that. Go ahead, give it a read, and maybe you’ll surprise yourself with the answers you uncover along the way.

Now, what’s the first question you’re going to ask after reading this? Don’t just sit there. Get curious, get bold, and get leading!

Gabe’s Squeegee Rating

Now, here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for, my squeegee rating! I’m giving Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John Maxwell a solid 4 golden squeegees out of 5. Why? Because this book is packed with nuggets of pure gold. Seriously, each chapter delivered insights that had me rethinking what it means to lead effectively. I’ve already started sprinkling some of Maxwell’s wisdom into my daily conversations, and it’s been a total game-changer for both me and my team.

That being said, here’s my only (and very minor) knock on the book. It’s Maxwell. The guy is a leadership legend, no doubt about it. But I personally like a bit more humor and energy in what I read. That’s not a dig at him or the book, that’s just a “me problem,” not a “him problem.” Maxwell delivers wisdom and practicality in spades, and if you’re looking for something to elevate your leadership game, look no further.

The bottom line is this: if you want a roadmap to becoming a better leader, Maxwell’s got you covered. If you’re craving jokes and belly laughs, you might want to flip to the comedy channel instead.

If you’re serious about getting better, pick up this book. Then go out there and start asking better questions. You might be surprised at just how powerful the answers can be. Now get to it, leader!

– Gabe