Asking Questions

Being new is exciting – at least, it is for me. When I enter a new place, I’m filled with wonder, curiosity and sometimes a wee bit of nerves. Being new provides an opportunity to look around with fresh eyes and most importantly, it provides an opportunity to learn. The first few weeks or months in new settings are key because our brain works to make sense of our new surroundings, unconsciously filing observations and experiences into buckets labelled, “this is the same as … ” and “this is different than ….” Newness is a true gift because it offers the chance for deep learning.

Being in a leadership position adds an element of complexity to the role of a “newbie” because leaders are often scrutinized as the community they are coming into works to decipher who they are, what they stand for, and what the heck are they planning to do and when. (All fair questions, I might add.) It’s an exhilarating time that can feel both energizing and stressful and one that good leaders regard as pivotal to a successful transition. 

In his book How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In, author Jim Collins talks about the importance of leaders asking questions. Collins writes that when it comes to asking questions versus making statements, research finds that successful leaders skew heavily on the question side. These aren’t questions designed to put people on the defensive – “Why didn’t you meet your sales target last quarter?” – but questions that convey a leader’s authentic interest and willingness to learn – “Tell me about the opportunities and challenges your department faced last quarter?” Good leaders use questions to build trust, foster mutual understanding and gather information (i.e., data) that will be used in the service of future growth. 

Schools are unique organizational structures because they are filled with both adults and children. School leaders draw on the expertise and experience of the adults in the building, but they also have a unique opportunity – obligation, in fact –  to ask meaningful questions of students who see things from a different and important perspective. In my experience, asking questions and listening deeply to our students is fundamental to good school leadership. [Note to students: When I listen carefully, it does not always mean I will agree.] 

Steve Jobs once said, “If you’re willing to work hard and ask lots of questions, you can learn business pretty fast.” I suspect not all of us can learn as quickly as Jobs, but I do agree with him about hard work and questions. So, as we prepare to welcome our students and teachers back from summer break, know that I am here with my sleeves rolled up, ready to get to work and listen deeply to the wisdom, experience and aspirations of the incredible UTS community.  

Leanne Foster, PhD
Principal

Read more of Dr. Foster's Blog

#fosteringbrilliance