The Leadership Skill of Asking Better Questions with Thea Charles and Bob Greene

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, Erica D’Eramo is joined by Thea Charles and Bob Greene for a discussion about the power of questions in leadership.Together, they explore why asking better questions is such a valuable skill for leaders, coaches, facilitators, managers, and anyone responsible for helping people think more clearly. The conversation covers open-ended questions, delegation, active listening, performance conversations, team development, and the shift from being the person with the answer to being the person who helps others find their own.Erica, Thea, and Bob also discuss why “why” questions can sometimes create defensiveness, how leaders can use “what” and “how” questions more effectively, and why giving people space to answer is just as important as asking the question itself.In This EpisodeErica, Thea, and Bob discuss:Why powerful questions are a practical leadership skillHow leaders can move away from the pressure to have all the answersThe difference between being a bottleneck and becoming a multiplierHow questions support better delegationWhy open-ended questions often create better insightThe limits of “why” questions in interpersonal conversationsHow to ask questions without leading people toward a predetermined answerWhy space, silence, and follow-up questions matterHow questions can support team ownership, creativity, and problem-solvingWhy coach education can be valuable for leaders, even if they do not plan to become professional coachesKey TakeawayBetter questions help leaders build trust, develop people, and create more ownership across teams.For leaders who are used to being rewarded for having answers, this can be a meaningful shift. The value is no longer only in knowing what to do. It is also in creating the conditions for better thinking, stronger conversations, and more sustainable action.Interested in Building Your Question-Asking Skills?Erica, Thea, and Bob all teach in the University of New Hampshire Certificate in Professional Coaching program.This live online program is designed for people pursuing professional coaching as well as leaders, managers, and professionals who want to bring coaching skills into their work. The program includes hands-on coaching practice, reflection, mentorship, and real-time feedback, with a focus on skills such as active listening, powerful questions, ethical practice, accountability, and supporting growth in others.Enrollment is open for the Fall 2026 cohort.Learn more about the UNH Certificate in Professional Coaching:https://training.unh.edu/coachingAbout the GuestsThea CharlesThea Charles, PCC, is a mentor coach, leadership coach, educator, and consultant whose work includes coach education, mentor coaching, leadership development, and support for coaches pursuing ICF credentials.Connect with Thea:Website: https://thearenel.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thea-charlesBob GreeneBob Greene, MS, ACC, is a coach, consultant, facilitator, and trainer who works with individuals and teams on leadership development, career development, team effectiveness, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational development.Connect with Bob:Website: https://www.bgcoach.net/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertdgreeneMore from Two PiersLearn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.comBrowse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast