I recently had the pleasure of presenting “Ask Like a Pro: Unleashing the Power of Questions in Project Management” at George Brown College, connecting with an amazing group of future project leaders. Delivering this talk in both in-person and virtual sessions was a fantastic experience that allowed for rich interactions and thought-provoking discussions.
This talk marked the 10th+ time I’ve shared insights on the art of Powerful Questions, a subject that has resonated deeply with diverse audiences over the years—from Agile coaches and Scrum Masters to developers and project managers. Each session reinforces how truly universal this topic is; no matter where we are in our careers or roles, the ability to ask thoughtful, powerful questions is a skill that can set us apart.
Why Focus on Powerful Questions?
In the fast-moving world of project management, powerful communication is critical. But often, the key isn’t just what we say—it’s what we ask. Powerful Questions go beyond surface-level conversations, helping us break down barriers, uncover underlying assumptions, and foster genuine connections with our teams and clients. They’re an invaluable tool in any leader’s toolkit, allowing us to drive clarity in complex situations, build trust within teams, and inspire creative solutions.
As project managers, we’re tasked with guiding diverse teams through challenges and toward shared goals. In a role like this, questions are often more impactful than statements. With the right questions, we can open doors to new insights and solutions that might otherwise remain hidden.
Building Bridges and Driving Engagement
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching this topic is witnessing the “aha” moments as participants discover the potential of asking questions intentionally. Powerful Questions generate curiosity, encourage reflection, and ultimately lead to more meaningful conversations. For project managers, these questions can turn stakeholder meetings into collaborative problem-solving sessions, or even transform one-on-one check-ins into moments of insight and empathy.
Resources to Deepen Your Learning
For those interested in exploring the concept of Powerful Questions further, I’ve created a dedicated page on the Elevate Change website. This resource provides practical tools and examples to help you integrate these techniques into your everyday interactions and strengthen your ability to lead impactful conversations. You can check it out here.
Presenting this talk at George Brown College was a reminder of how essential these skills are in today’s workplaces and how eager students and professionals alike are to hone them. Here’s to more conversations that drive connection, understanding, and innovation!