Leading with Questions is a book that teaches leaders how to ask questions rather than provide their opinion or solve problems for the group. Superintendents, Curriculum Coordinators, Principals, Assistant Principals, Teachers, and other educators will benefit from the practical advice offered by Michael Marquardt. Great leaders recognize that they do not have the answer to all curriculum concerns, student code of conduct infractions, professional development strategies, best practices in teaching for each content area, or solutions to emerging community problems. The author shares how babies inquire and six year olds naturally ask questions. However, at some point adults tell children "Quit asking so many questions." When a Superintendent or principal becomes the leader of a school district or school, it may feel awkward to ask questions. After all, a leader who asks too many questions may be perceived as a weak leader or one without answers. "Rather than telling people what to do, the leader must have the courage to ask them what needs to be done and then make a serious attempt to remove any obstacles in the way" (p. 55). The book also addresses intentional questioning skills. Rather than asking a list of questions, a great leader asks "What do I want my question(s) to accomplish" (p. 63)? Chapter four is titled Asking the Right Questions and the author provides several sample questions that could be used in the field of education. As we enter a new year (2010), it is important to begin with some key questions which will focus on continuous improvement. Whether you are a member of a Professional Learning Community, a Department Chair, a Teacher Leader, a member of the school improvement team, a building leader or a central office staff member, these questions will provide your team with 'food for thought'. Encouraging People to Ask and Respond to Questions 1. Where are we going? 2. Where are you going? 3. What are you doing well? 4. What suggestions for improvement do you have for yourself? 5. How can I help you? 6. What suggestions do you have for me? (pp. 129-130) I recognize that the ability to ask intentional questions is a weakness in my leadership style. As a classroom teacher, I knew the power of questions and I was intentional about planning questions which led toward student understanding of key concepts and skills. However, school administrators often lose the ability to ask good questions when they enter administration. When a teacher approaches a school administrator with a potential problem, the easy solution is to offer a soultion, quick-fix, or opinion. Marquardt suggests that people are not empowered by our stories or solutions to their problems. The next time they have a problem, they will come to us for another solution. Marquardt cited John Kotter, an authority on leading change. Kotter says, leaders think change is about "writing a memo," or simply telling the organization to change. "Too often leaders launch their initiatives by calling a meeting or circulating a consultant's report, then expect people to rally to the cause. It doesn't happen that way" (pp. 166-167). This book has the potential to change how educators interact with one another, how they approach meetings, and how educators prepare K-12 students for the rapidly changing workforce which they will enter following high school graduation. It is safe to say that no educator has all of the answers for today's K-12 curriculum, instruction and assessment issues, and the ability to interact with families from diverse cultures. A leader who asks questions will support student achievement more than a leader who begins with the answers. I challenge educators to purchase this book and then to begin the practice of leading with questions! Please feel free to share your thoughts on Leading with Questions. Marquardt, M. (2005). Leading with questions: How leaders find the right soultions by knowing what to ask. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. |
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