Asking Better Questions for Leadership Success

In business and in life, the smartest people aren’t always the ones with the best answers, they’re the ones who know how to ask better questions. Curiosity is more than just a trait, it’s a superpower that builds trust, reveals hidden insights, and sparks innovation. Yet in today’s fast paced world, many leaders skip over curiosity in favor of speed, ego, or fear of looking unprepared.

In this episode, James Taylor shares how a simple game called Only Questions sharpened his listening skills and transformed casual conversations into powerful breakthroughs. From uncovering industry secrets on long haul flights to learning strategies that shaped global keynotes, he reveals how to use the curiosity gap to your advantage. If you’ve ever wondered how to shift conversations, open new opportunities, and lead with impact, it all starts with the questions you ask.

Takeaways

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  Curiosity is a superpower that builds trust, reveals insights, and sparks innovation.
  


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  Playing the Only Questions game sharpens listening skills and strengthens conversations.
  


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  The curiosity gap: The space between what we know and want to know — drives engagement and attention.
  


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  Ego, speed, and fear are the main barriers that stop leaders from asking better questions.
  


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  Breakthroughs often come from questions, not answers, as they change conversations and uncover hidden opportunities.
  


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  Sharpen curiosity by asking follow ups, listening for surprises, and keeping a running list of great questions.