My Top 15 “Leading With Questions” Books

Today’s post answers a question I am frequently asked:  What are your favorite “Leading with Questions” books?

I have over 70 “Question” type books in my book case and have gained wisdom from each. So coming up with a “Top 15” list is a challenge – albeit a fun one. Each of these books will add many questions to your collection of great questions!

Personal Note to all the authors: Thank you for granting me your permission to excerpt from your incredible books for my blog.

Each of you have contributed significantly, not only to my leadership, but the leadership of many. Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom with all of us. You will be pleased to know that I have not only read your book – I have bought multiple copies to pass on to my associates and friends. Thank you for your friendship. May God’s hand of blessing be on each of you.

Counting Down My Top 15:

The reason I love Love ‘Em or Lose’Em is that it is all about initiating conversations with your staff to ask them what will keep ’em?  Just asking them is a great retention strategy!  And Beverly and Sharon shares scores of great questions you can ask.

Click “HERE” to read “Excerpt/Post.”

The reason I love So, What’s Your Point? is that it showed me how to use questions to create agreements/alignment to avoid misunderstandings and disagreements. Click “HERE” to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go is that I was captured by title alone! Beverly and Julie share incredible questions you can use to help others pursue their career goals by facilitating an exploration of three key areas: Hindsight, Foresight & Insight!

Click “HERE” or “HERE”  to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love A More Beautiful Question is that Warren sees questions in places I had not previously seen them.  Just one example is turning “Mission Statements” into “Mission Questions.”

Click “HERE” or “HERE” or “HERE” to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love Quantum Coaching Questions is that Marilena shares over 150 great coaching questions!  Speaking of adding to your collection of great questions quickly!  When I posted  The Art of Active Listening, an excerpt from Marilena’s book, it soared to be the #1 Post ever on my blog!

The reason I love QBQ is that knowing the three guidelines for asking “QBQs” (Question behind the question) has consistently moved me from “Being Stuck” to having a “Way Forward!”

Click “HERE” to read “Excerpt/Post.”

The reason I love 78 Important Questions Every Leader Should Ask and Answer is because the “Table of Contents” alone is worth the price of the book – listing all 78 Questions!

Click “HERE” to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love Just Ask The Right Questions to Get What You Want is that Ian shares example after example of the things he has gotten simply by kindly asking questions! Things like: a dinner reservation after he was told that they were completely booked or entrance to a car park displaying a “full” sign or tickets to a play that was sold out.  Ian shares time and time again – You have not because you ask not!

Click “HERE” to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love The Coach Model for Christian Leaders is that I help recruit leaders from outside our organization to coach both our current leaders and our emerging leaders.  Keith Webb’s book is a resource that we place in each of their hands.

Click “HERE” to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love The Art of People is that it is was a page-turner for me filled with “turn-key ready” questions that you will be eager to put into use to enhance your people skills!  I also think Dave Kerpen and I must share the same DNA!

Click “HERE” to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love Asking about Asking is that reading Kent’s book was like taking my first Doctorate Level course in Fundraising.  Wouldn’t we all like fundraising to be less presentational and more conversational?

Click “HERE” or “HERE” or “HERE” to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love Just Listen is that no one will ever become great at “Leading with Questions” without becoming a great listener!  When your family/staff/friends feel heard your relational effectiveness will sky-rocket!

Click “HERE” or “HERE” or “HERE” to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love The Power of Who – You Already Know Everyone You Need to Know is that Bob’s wisdom proved itself in my life (in a story too long to share here) 12 years ago!  He was right!  I already knew everyone I needed to know!

Click “HERE” to read “Excerpt/Post.”

The reason I love Power Questions is that Andrew and Jerold do two things exceedingly well:  They share great stories and they share great questions!  Their stories give life to the questions they share.  You cannot read any chapter without wanting to immediately find someone to ask that same question!

Click “HERE” to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love Leading With Questions is that this is the book that started me down my journey of “Leading With Questions!” In 2006 while browsing at a bookstore I came across Dr. Marquardt’s book.  I only had to peruse a few pages before declaring “this one’s a keeper!”  This book forever changed how I lead!

Click “HERE” or “HERE” or “HERE” to read “Excerpts/Posts.”

The reason I love Asking Profound Questions is that Bobb Biehl has been my personal mentor for over 35 years.  The first time we met he shared with me that he had an unusual hobby – “Collecting Questions.” In this pocket size booklet Bobb shares over 100 of his favorites out of his collection of thousands!