On the Bookshelf: Success Unlocked – The Transformative Power of Questions

A Powerful (and Free!) Collection of Leadership Wisdom—Featuring Yours Truly!

I’m thrilled to share a very special book with you—Success Unlocked: The Transformative Power of Questions, compiled by Bob Tiede of LeadingWithQuestions.com. This isn’t just another leadership book.  It’s a carefully curated collection of short, impactful articles by more than 35 thought leaders, coaches, and executives on the power of asking the right questions.

And here’s the exciting part: I’m honored to be one of the contributors!

This book is packed with bite-sized brilliance—from questions that build trust, to those that challenge thinking, ignite creativity, or unlock performance. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who leads, facilitates, coaches, or simply wants to connect more effectively. Whether you’re looking to spark better conversations or deepen your leadership impact, there’s something in here for you.

Here are some of my key takeaways:

• Bobb Biehl says, “If you ask shallow questions, you get shallow answers. If you ask no questions, you get no answers at all.” He urges us to collect questions like others collect quotes—carry them, use them, and let them unlock clarity in decision-making. He even shares his favorite fog-clearing question:  “What would be the ideal solution long-term?”
• Brad Sullivan shares a short story about Kissinger repeatedly asking his speechwriter the same question—“Is this the best you can do?” It’s not about perfectionism; it’s about owning your work before you present it.
• Michael Marquardt reminds us that questions can shut people down or lift them up.  By asking questions that disempower (e.g., “Why are you behind schedule?”) or empower (“What support do you need to succeed?”), you build ownership, not defensiveness.
• Robert Hodge talks about the “dandelion question.”  This comes from a story inspired by a young innovator who asked:  “Why do dandelions grow where nothing else does?”  That curiosity led to a discovery that could transform oil-contaminated land. Hodge uses this to invite us to reframe persistent problems as hidden strengths.
• Dave Kerpen introduces the concept of “mirroring” – the deceptively simple act of repeating back what someone just said. Initially skeptical, he found it creates immediate trust and emotional safety, especially in high-stakes conversations.  He says, “People don’t want advice. They want to feel heard.”

I could go on and on, but here’s why this is a great little book:

1. It’s a fast read: Each chapter is just a few pages.
2. It’s full of insight: Contributors include Dan Rockwell, Cheryl Bachelder, Bobb Biehl, and many more.
3. It’s a mindset shift: This book will change how you ask questions—and how you listen to answers.
4. Best of all—it’s FREE to download: Get your copy here

My chapter, “45 Great Leadership Panel Questions” (Chapter 32, page 129), is designed to help you ask more engaging, meaningful questions when you’re moderating or facilitating leadership panels. I’ve pulled together decades of experience into practical, ready-to-use prompts you can adapt on the fly—whether you’re leading a conference panel, running a staff meeting, or coaching a team.

I’m proud to be part of this powerful project. A huge thank-you to Bob Tiede for his vision and dedication in bringing these voices together. I hope you’ll take a moment to download your free copy, read a chapter or two (or thirty!), and let me know which questions resonated with you.

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