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Unlock the Potential of your Team Ever feel like leading a team is like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces? You’ve got talented individuals, each with their own strengths, quirks, and motivations—but figuring out how to bring it all together can be a challenge. The good news? You don’t have to be a mind reader to unlock your team’s potential. You just need to ask the right questions. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing which questions spark curiosity, drive growth, and foster innovation. As a keynote speaker, I demonstrate that the best leaders don’t just direct; they engage their teams in meaningful conversations that create an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential. Let’s explore why meaningful questions matter, how they impact team performance, and practical examples of questions that can help unlock your team’s potential. We’ll also dive into research that highlights the science behind effective questioning in leadership. The Power of Questions in Leadership Research shows that leaders who ask thoughtful questions cultivate higher engagement, trust, and performance in their teams. A study published in Harvard Business Review  found that curiosity-driven leadership leads to better decision-making, increased adaptability, and stronger team cohesion (Gino, 2018). When leaders ask open-ended, thought-provoking questions, they encourage employees to think critically, share insights, and take ownership of their work. Additionally, research from the Journal of Business and Psychology  highlights that employees who perceive their leaders as curious and open to discussion are more likely to feel psychologically safe, which boosts creativity and collaboration (Edmondson & Lei, 2014). This means that when leaders make questioning a core part of their communication, they don’t just improve engagement—they transform workplace culture. Why Meaningful Questions Matter Great questions do more than gather information; they shape interactions, influence thinking, and guide teams toward solutions. The right questions: Encourage Self-Reflection  – Employees are more likely to find motivation and purpose when asked to reflect on their goals and values. Foster Problem-Solving  – Open-ended questions push teams to think critically and develop innovative solutions. Build Trust and Psychological Safety  – Employees feel more comfortable sharing ideas and feedback when leaders show genuine curiosity about their perspectives. Promote Accountability  – Well-structured questions help team members take ownership of their work by encouraging responsibility and proactive decision-making. A Real-World Example: Leading with Curiosity When I was leading a team of sourcing managers for a meeting-planning company, I discovered firsthand the power of meaningful questions. I found that when I asked my team questions to understand what was most meaningful in their work and life, and when I knew what they enjoyed the most about their roles, leading them became much easier. It was almost like putting together pieces of a puzzle. If we had a project to deliver, I knew which pieces of my team (which people) would complete the tasks the best, based on their strengths and their interests. Everything flowed much easier and faster. By aligning work with their natural motivations and preferences, I saw an increase in engagement, efficiency, and overall job satisfaction. This experience reinforced my belief that the best leaders don’t assign tasks arbitrarily; they build a deep understanding of their teams and position each person where they can thrive. 5 Categories of Meaningful Questions for Leaders Questions That Build Trust and Connection Trust is the foundation of any high-performing team. Leaders who create strong relationships with their employees foster loyalty, engagement, and collaboration. Examples: “What’s something you’re proud of accomplishing this week?” “What’s been the highlight of your work recently?” “What’s one thing I can do to better support you in your role?” Questions That Encourage Growth and Development Growth-oriented questions help employees reflect on their skills, strengths, and areas for improvement. They also signal that a leader is invested in their long-term success. Examples: “What skill would you like to develop further?” “What’s a challenge you’ve faced recently, and what did you learn from it?” “If you could take on any project or role, what would it be and why?” Questions That Drive Innovation and Problem-Solving Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking helps teams push beyond the status quo and develop creative solutions. Examples: “What’s a process or system we could improve, and how?” “If we had unlimited resources, what’s one thing you’d change about our team’s workflow?” “What’s a recent mistake that turned out to be a valuable learning experience?” Questions That Promote Collaboration and Teamwork Collaboration strengthens relationships and enhances productivity. The right questions can encourage open communication and teamwork. Examples: “How can we better support each other as a team?” “What’s something another team member has done recently that you appreciated?” “What’s one way we can make our team meetings more effective?” Questions That Inspire Purpose and Motivation Helping employees connect their work to a greater purpose increases engagement and fulfillment. Examples: “What part of your work feels most meaningful to you?” “How does your role contribute to the bigger picture of our company’s mission?” “What impact do you want to have through your work?” How to Ask Questions That Drive Impact Asking the right questions is just the beginning—how you ask them matters just as much. Here are some best practices for making your questions truly meaningful: Be Present and Listen Actively  – Show genuine interest in the response by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and summarizing key points. Use Open-Ended Questions  – Avoid yes/no questions to encourage deeper discussion. Create a Safe Environment  – Make it clear that all responses are valued and there are no “wrong” answers. Follow Up Thoughtfully  – Build on previous answers to show you’re engaged and to encourage further exploration. Conclusion: Lead with Curiosity Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about fostering a culture where meaningful questions spark growth, collaboration, and innovation. By incorporating intentional, curiosity-driven questions into your leadership approach, you empower your team to unlock their full potential. Start today by choosing one or two questions from this article and integrating them into your next team meeting or one-on-one conversation. You may be surprised at the insights, engagement, and trust that unfold.

Leadership isn’t just about directing tasks or making decisions—it’s about creating an environment where your team feels valued, trusted, and inspired. One of the most powerful ways to do this is by cultivating a mindset rooted in curiosity. As a curiosity keynote speaker, I’ve witnessed the difference it can make when a leader has a desire to truly learn about their team. When leaders approach challenges, conversations, and team dynamics with genuine curiosity, they open the door to trust and collaboration.   Why Curiosity Is a Leadership Superpower Curiosity has the power to unlock understanding and transform even the toughest leadership challenges. I once worked with a leader who was deeply frustrated by one of her team members. No matter how much she tried to motivate him—offering new projects, praising his efforts—his engagement remained low, and his performance wasn’t improving. She was at a loss and ready to write it off as a lost cause. That’s when I suggested she try something different: get curious about his motivations and values. At her next one-on-one, instead of jumping into the usual work updates, she asked a few open-ended questions to dig deeper. Things like, “What’s been the trickiest part of your role lately?” and “If you could change one thing about your work, what would it be?” When she asked these questions, the answers surprised her. The team member revealed that he felt unsupported in an area of his job that he found overwhelming. He didn’t speak up earlier because he didn’t want to seem incompetent. With this new understanding, the leader realized the behaviors she’d been frustrated by—missed deadlines, disengagement—were rooted in fear, not a lack of motivation. By approaching the situation with curiosity rather than judgment, she was able to make small adjustments that turned things around. Not only did his engagement and performance improve, but the experience also strengthened their working relationship.   The Connection Between Positivity and Collaboration Positivity is the first step in creating a culture of collaboration. When you approach situations with a positive mindset, it opens the door for curiosity. Think about it—when you’re frustrated or negative, your mind tends to shut down, focusing on what’s wrong instead of what’s possible. But when you intentionally shift to a positive perspective, it’s easier to stay open and curious about solutions, opportunities, and the perspectives of others. This curiosity is what fuels collaboration. A curious leader asks thoughtful questions, explores new ideas, and creates space for team members to contribute. When your team sees that you’re genuinely interested in their input, they’re more likely to share, engage, and work together toward common goals. It all starts with positivity, which unlocks curiosity, and ultimately leads to meaningful collaboration that drives success. How to Cultivate a Positive Mindset A positive mindset doesn’t just happen; it’s something you create intentionally by understanding yourself and making choices that set you up for success. Here are a few ways to cultivate positivity in your leadership: Know Yourself: The more you understand what motivates you, what you value, and what stresses you out, the easier it is to set yourself up for success. For example, if you know you’re energized by quiet focus time, plan your schedule to include blocks for uninterrupted work. If clutter stresses you out, take five minutes to tidy your workspace before diving into a new task. By aligning your environment and time management with your natural preferences, you reduce stress and make positivity easier to maintain. Shift Your Focus: When frustration strikes, take a moment to think about something that brings you joy. Maybe it’s a memory of a relaxing vacation, the sound of your kids laughing, or even a delicious meal you’re planning for the weekend. By putting yourself in that joyful feeling, you can shift your mood from frustration to optimism in seconds, helping you approach your team with a positive focus. Look for the Good: Positivity thrives on gratitude, and sometimes all it takes is a quick shift in focus to find it. When frustration creeps in, pause and ask yourself, “What’s one thing that’s going well right now?” It could be as big as a recent success or as small as, “At least the coffee machine didn’t break today!” While it might feel silly at first, finishing a sentence like “At least…” helps reframe your mindset. By focusing on even the smallest wins, you reinforce a positive outlook and remind yourself that progress is always possible—even on the toughest days. Practice the Power of “Yet”: When faced with setbacks, swap defeatist thoughts for growth-focused ones. Instead of saying, “I can’t solve this,” try, “I haven’t solved this yet .” This small shift in language keeps your mindset open to possibilities and solutions, helping you maintain positivity even when the path forward isn’t immediately clear.   Lead with Curiosity Putting yourself in a positive mindset is the first step toward being curious—and curiosity is where great leadership begins. When you’re in a good headspace, it’s easier to ask thoughtful questions, stay open to new ideas, and genuinely engage with your team. This combination of positivity, curiosity, and gratitude creates a culture where trust and collaboration thrive. So, take a moment to shift your mindset when challenges arise, embrace curiosity, and enjoy your team relationships as they grow stronger and more connected!

Sales success isn’t just about pitching your product—it’s about understanding your client. When I was building a business with a network marketing company, I learned quickly that people don’t care what you’re selling until they know you care about them. And to demonstrate that you care, you must understand what is important to them. The best way to do that? Use genuine curiosity. Curiosity is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as, “the desire to know.”  If you want to know something, you ask questions. And when a sale is on the line, it’s important to ask meaningful questions. A well-crafted question does more than gather information; it shows genuine interest, builds trust, and uncovers the needs and motivations that drive decisions. The Framework Here is a five-step structure to guide your sales conversations and take your questioning skills to the next level. Approach the conversation with genuine curiosity, and you’ll uncover what truly matters to your client while positioning yourself as their trusted partner. This framework will help you ask better questions, build stronger connections, and close more deals. 1. Start Broad Begin the conversation with open-ended, exploratory questions that encourage your client to share freely. These broad questions help you understand their priorities and build a natural rapport. Resist the urge to dive into specifics too soon—this is your chance to get the bigger picture. ·       Examples: “What’s something your team is currently working toward?” “What motivated you to explore this solution now?” “What’s most important to you when choosing a venue for an offsite like this?” “How do you envision the finished project fitting into your needs or lifestyle?”   2. Dig Deeper with Contextual Questions Once you’ve established a baseline, ask follow-up questions to uncover context and priorities. This is where you start to understand the why behind their answers. Examples: “Can you tell me more about what’s driving that challenge?” “How has this impacted your team or customers?” “Are there any specific activities/features/materials you’d like to incorporate?”   3. Identify the Pain Points Every sale solves a problem. To position yourself effectively, you need to understand what’s truly at stake. Ask targeted questions that help the client articulate their pain points. Examples: “What’s been the biggest frustration around this issue?” “What would happen if this challenge continues?” “What’s made it difficult to find the right venue for this event/contractor for this job so far?” 4. Connect with Possibilities Now that you’ve identified the challenges, shift the conversation toward solutions. Use questions to highlight the value and outcomes your product or service could deliver. Examples: “If you could solve this challenge, what would success look like for you?” “What would it mean for your business to achieve [specific goal]?” “How would having a dedicated coordinator simplify the planning process for you?” “What would make this process feel easy and seamless for you?”   5. Close with Collaboration Wrap up by reinforcing that you’re here to partner with them, not just sell to them. Questions at this stage should clarify the next steps while demonstrating your commitment to their success. Examples: “What’s the most helpful next step for us to take together?” “Is there anyone else on your team who should be involved in this conversation?” “How can I make this process easier for you and your team moving forward?”   Unlocking the Door to Trust As a sales and leadership curiosity keynote speaker, I’ve witnessed how curiosity transforms professional relationships. When you ask questions that matter, you’re not just collecting information—you’re building a connection. Clients will feel your genuine interest in their success, which sets you apart from others who are only focused on closing the deal. By leading with curiosity and focusing on meaningful questions, you’ll unlock valuable insights, build trust, and ultimately create sales relationships that stand the test of time.

What if positivity is the secret ingredient to sales success? While curiosity is often celebrated as a game-changer in building relationships, it’s positivity that creates the foundation for curiosity to thrive. When you approach sales with a positive mindset, you stay open, adaptable, and genuinely engaged in every interaction. As a sales keynote speaker, I’ve seen how this combination—positivity and curiosity—transforms client relationships, uncovers hidden opportunities, and drives meaningful, long-term success. For sales professionals who want to thrive, cultivating a positive mindset isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.   The Positivity Advantage At its heart, sales is about relationships. Clients don’t want to feel like another item on your to-do list; they want to connect with someone who genuinely understands and values them. Curiosity is the key to that understanding—and the best way to spark curiosity is by starting with positivity. Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory explains why positivity is such a powerful tool. Her research reveals that positive emotions expand your thinking, opening your mind to new opportunities and creative solutions that might otherwise go unnoticed. For sales professionals, this means staying flexible and innovative in conversations, even when faced with objections or challenges. On the flip side, a negative or fixed mindset can narrow your perspective, making it harder to see the big picture or adapt to your client’s unique needs. Positivity also builds essential skills, like resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to form genuine connections. By cultivating a positive mindset, you’re not just improving today’s client interactions—you’re creating the foundation for lasting trust and loyalty, which are key to long-term success in sales.   How to Cultivate a Positive Mindset in Sales A positive mindset is a game-changer in sales. It doesn’t just happen; it’s something you create by knowing yourself and making intentional choices. Here’s how you can build a mindset that drives better connections, stronger client relationships, and bigger wins: Know What Fuels You: Understanding your motivators, stressors, and values is crucial to thriving in sales. If you know you perform best in the morning, plan your calls or meetings during those peak energy hours. If hearing "no" takes a toll, create small wins throughout the day to stay energized—like celebrating progress or taking a quick reset after a challenging interaction. Aligning your schedule and environment with what fuels you keeps your energy high and your outlook positive. Shift Your Mindset in the Moment: Sales can bring its share of frustrations, whether it’s a tough client call or an unexpected setback. When those moments hit, pause and think about something that energizes you. Maybe it’s the last time you closed a great deal or the excitement of an upcoming event. Shifting your thoughts—even for a moment—can help you re-center, re-energize, and approach the next call or meeting with confidence. Focus on the Wins: Gratitude is a powerful tool in sales. When a day feels like it’s going sideways, stop and ask yourself, “What’s one thing that went right today?” Maybe you made a connection that could lead to future business or had a productive conversation. Even small wins, like a kind email from a client or finally organizing your CRM, can shift your focus toward positivity and progress. Embrace the “Not Yet” Mindset: Sales is all about persistence and growth. Instead of saying, “This client isn’t interested,” try, “This client isn’t ready yet.” Adding “yet” to your internal dialogue reframes challenges as opportunities waiting to unfold. This growth-oriented language keeps you curious, motivated, and ready to adjust your approach rather than feeling defeated.   The Ripple Effect of the Right Mindset Positivity isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a powerful strategy for success in sales. When you approach your work with an open and optimistic mindset, you create the space for curiosity, creativity, and deeper client connections. By intentionally cultivating positivity, you’ll not only navigate challenges more effectively but also build the trust and loyalty that lead to long-term success . The best part? Positivity naturally fuels curiosity, opening the door to better questions, richer conversations, and unexpected opportunities. What new possibilities could a positive, curious mindset help you uncover?

Authenticity is your secret weapon in sales. It’s the difference between being just another vendor and becoming a trusted partner. As a curiosity keynote speaker, I emphasize that selling is a relationship business. And people don’t connect with perfectly polished sales pitches; they connect with authenticity. By sharing relatable experiences and being transparent in your interactions, you can turn a transactional relationship into a loyal partnership built on trust. Here’s how authentic sharing can transform your sales game.   Why Authentic Sharing Matters Being open and relatable shows your clients that you’re more than just a salesperson; you’re a human being who understands their struggles, goals, and values. When you share personal anecdotes or experiences that align with their challenges, it creates a sense of camaraderie. And when you’re transparent—whether it’s about limitations, pricing, or what you genuinely think is best for them—they’ll trust you more. Trust leads to loyalty, and loyal clients are not only more likely to stick around but also to sing your praises to others.   How to Share Relatable Experiences Find Common Ground: Listen to your client’s story and reflect on any similar experiences you’ve had. For example, if they’re worried about pulling off a last-minute event, you might say, “It’s stressful, isn’t it? I once had to coordinate a big project with less than a week’s notice. I was up late at night working on it! Fortunately, it ended up working out because we focused on the essentials. Let’s figure out a plan that will keep this as smooth as possible for you.” Keep It Relevant: Your story should connect directly to their challenge or goal—this isn’t the time to veer off into unrelated tangents. Stay focused on experiences that will help them feel understood and supported. Be Real, Not Perfect: Authenticity doesn’t mean pretending you have all the answers. In fact, it’s often the struggles or imperfections in your story that make it relatable. Show them that you understand their situation because you’ve been through something similar. Don’t Dominate the Conversation: Authentic sharing doesn’t mean turning the spotlight on yourself. Share briefly and then shift the focus back to your client. A great rule of thumb is to aim for balance: your story should serve their needs, not overshadow them. For example, “When I faced a similar challenge, this worked well for me—do you think something like that might help here?” This keeps the conversation collaborative and centered on them.   The Power of Transparency Set Realistic Expectations: Honesty goes a long way in building trust. If there are limitations to what you can offer, let them know upfront. For example, “While this option might not work within your timeline, I think this alternative could meet your goals without compromising quality.” Admit When You Don’t Know: Clients appreciate honesty over fluff. If you don’t have an immediate answer to a question, try, “That’s a great question, and I want to make sure I get it right. Let me check on that and get back to you ASAP.” Keep Them in the Loop: Transparency means more than honesty—it’s about consistent communication. If there’s a delay, a change in plans, or even progress to share, let them know right away. For instance, “We ran into a small snag with availability for this feature, but here’s what we’re doing to adjust and stay on track.” Keeping clients informed throughout the process shows them you value their time and trust.   Share with Heart Authentic sharing isn’t about making it all about you, it’s about creating a bridge of understanding. Approaching conversations with curiosity keeps the focus on your client, even when you’re sharing. You’ll demonstrate that you’re truly invested in their needs, challenges, and goals. Pair that with a mindset of gratitude, appreciating their trust and the opportunity to work together, and you create a connection that’s both meaningful and memorable. When your clients see that you are genuine and authentic, they’ll feel a deeper connection to you. That connection turns one-time transactions into loyal, long-term relationships . So, next time you’re in a conversation, share with curiosity, gratitude, and heart—it’s a winning combination every time.

In the fast-paced world of sales, it’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing on pitching products or services without truly understanding what your client needs. That’s where the superpower of active listening comes in. As a keynote speaker, I share how active listening - when done with genuine curiosity - can transform client interactions, build trust, and uncover opportunities you may otherwise miss. What Is Active Listening? Active listening isn’t just about nodding along and waiting for your turn to talk—it’s about diving into the conversation like it’s the most interesting thing you’ve heard all day. It’s more than just hearing words; it’s about staying present and tuning into the emotions, intentions, and unspoken cues hiding behind them. Think of it as putting on your detective hat to uncover what’s being said—and what’s not.   Why Active Listening Matters in Sales Let’s be real, nobody enjoys feeling like they’re just another name on a sales list. When you really listen to your clients, something magical happens: they feel valued, understood, and, most importantly, like you get them. Active listening helps you cut through the noise of generic conversations and uncover what makes your clients tick—their goals, their challenges, and what keeps them up at night. When you take the time to understand their needs, you’re not just offering a product or service; you’re offering a solution that actually matters . And guess what? That’s how trust is built. Bonus: happy clients who feel heard are more likely to stick around. Active listening matters because it: Builds Trust Clarifies Needs Enhances Solutions   Techniques for Staying Present Staying present during a conversation might sound easy, but let’s face it—our brains love to wander. One moment you’re nodding along, and the next you’re thinking about what’s for lunch. The good news? You can train yourself to stay focused. Start by eliminating distractions: silence your phone, close those 87 tabs on your laptop, and give your client your full attention. Then, use nonverbal cues like eye contact and the occasional “mmm-hmm” to show you’re tuned in. Feeling your mind drifting? Take a deep breath and remind yourself why you’re here: to truly understand your client. Remember, being fully present isn’t just polite—it’s your secret weapon for building trust and uncovering what they value.   Techniques for staying present: Eliminate Distractions Use Nonverbal Cues Practice Mindfulness   Absorbing Information Listening isn’t just about hearing words—it’s about soaking up the details like a sponge. The trick? Don’t just let their words float by; make sure they stick. A great way to do this is by paraphrasing what they’ve said. For example, “So, you’re looking for a space that can handle team-building activities, but also has enough amenities to keep everyone entertained during downtime?” This not only shows you’re paying attention but also helps clarify any misunderstandings. Another tip: take notes! (Just let them know first so they don’t think you’re doodling.) And don’t forget to listen beyond the words—tone, pauses, and even those little sighs can give you clues about how they’re really feeling. When you focus on truly absorbing what’s being shared, you’ll uncover the goldmine of insight that’s often hiding between the lines. How to absorb the information? Paraphrase Key Points Take Notes Listen for Emotions   Unlock Your Superpower Active listening isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset. When you approach conversations with genuine curiosity, you shift the focus from what you want to say to truly understanding the other person . This Curious Mindset is how real connections are built. It’s about digging deeper, asking thoughtful questions, and being fully present to uncover what really matters to your client. The more you practice listening with curiosity, the more natural it becomes, transforming your interactions from transactional to meaningful . And let’s be honest—when you’re the person who makes clients feel heard and understood, you’re not just good at sales. You’re unforgettable.