A Great Question to Ask Another Leader

Each month, I mentor many of our younger staff members, as well as some who are new to our staff. In this mentoring luncheon, we talk about several things in ministry. One of the things I have encouraged my staff to do is ask people questions.

Let’s imagine for a moment, you were assigned to pick up someone from the airport. After some initial conversation, you had another few minutes before you got them to their needed destination. Rather than go all over the map, talking about many things that may have no major value, you could ask several questions about leadership.

Better yet, is there one question you could ask that would give you immediate insight about them personally, their priorities, and their leadership? I believe there is one question that gives you major insight into these areas. Here it is:

Would you share with me your entire schedule for a week?

When you ask someone this question, remain quiet and let them talk.

What will you discover?

• Their personality: This will be seen in how orderly they live
• Their priority: This will be seen in how they begin their day and what they do with their time
• Their effectiveness: This will come out when you see where they seem to give their time consistently and periodically

There are other things, but this is enough. If they are truly great leaders, you will learn what makes them great.

It is amazing what you can learn when you ask a simple question and resolve to listen.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd