Sharpening your critical thinking: The power of asking the right questions
(Read time: 2 mins)
In the high-pressure world of advertising, marketing, and communications, you’ve likely faced moments where your team hits a wall.
The ideas feel stale. The strategy lacks clarity. Decisions are being made on autopilot.
Sound familiar?
The problem often isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of critical thinking.
And the solution? Asking the right questions.
Powerful, thought-provoking questions cut through ambiguity, spark creativity, and guide teams toward smarter, more impactful decisions. In this post, we’ll explore how to master the art of questioning to solve problems, inspire innovation, and foster a high-performance culture.
(For more on how critical thinking can transform leadership, check out this Forbes article on the power of critical thinking.)
Why questions are your superpower
The best leaders don’t have all the answers—they ask the best questions.
Questions probe biases, uncover blind spots, and create the space for fresh ideas to emerge.
When you ask the right questions, you:
Challenge assumptions: “What if we’re wrong about this approach?” forces a team to re-examine beliefs.
Fuel creativity: “What’s the boldest solution we could try?” pushes for innovative thinking.
Encourage strategic focus: “How does this idea align with our bigger goals?” brings clarity to priorities.
Questions are a tool, not just for finding answers, but for unlocking possibilities.
(For a deeper dive into the science of effective questioning, consider this Harvard Business Review piece.)
Empowering your team with questions
Great questions don’t just create better ideas—they create better teams.
When you ask questions like:
“What do you think we should do next?”
“What are we not seeing?”
“What would you change if you could?”
You empower your team to take ownership.
These questions encourage independent thinking, deepen engagement, and show your team you trust their expertise.
Empowered teams think more critically. And critical thinking leads to smarter, faster decisions.
Building a culture of curiosity
Critical thinking thrives in cultures that embrace curiosity.
Start by modelling the behaviour yourself. Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions. Encourage your team to do the same.
Create an environment where it’s safe to ask “Why?” or “What if?”—even if it means challenging the status quo.
When your team knows questions are welcome, they’ll contribute their best thinking without fear of judgment.
Final thought
The ability to ask powerful questions isn’t just a leadership skill—it’s a competitive advantage.
The right questions lead to sharper strategies, bolder ideas, and a culture where curiosity and innovation flourish.
So, the next time your team faces a challenge, don’t rush to give answers. Pause.
Ask the question that unlocks the next big breakthrough.
