Blind Spot: Control or Curiosity?
- Jerry Clark
- 12 hours ago
- 1 min read
I’ve spent many years working with people in both corporate America and counseling, and I’ve noticed something about successful teams. The best leaders don’t have to have all the answers. They know how to ask good questions.
A controlling culture says, “Here’s what you need to do.” A curious culture asks, “What are you seeing that I may be missing?” That difference may seem small, but it changes the room.
When people feel controlled, they tend to protect themselves.
They tell the boss what they think the boss wants to hear. They become careful about admitting mistakes or offering an idea that might not work. Pretty soon, the leader may be surrounded by good people but hear very little of what they actually think.
Curiosity opens the door. Asking “Help me understand,” “What do you think?” or “What concerns you?” communicates something important: Your thinking matters here.
Curiosity doesn’t mean weak leadership. Leaders still make decisions, establish expectations, and hold people accountable. But there is a big difference between providing direction and needing to control every conversation.
I’ve learned that control pushes. Influence invites.
So, at your next meeting, resist the temptation to be the smartest person in the room. Ask one more question. Talk a little less and listen a little longer.
You might discover that the answer you needed was already sitting at the table.
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