Ep 199: Ask Better Questions with Joe Lalley

Ep 199: Ask Better Questions with Joe Lalley

From Influence & Impact for Leaders by Carla Miller

February 2, 2026 · 34 min · Episode 199

About this episode

Carla Miller and Joe Lalley discuss the importance of asking better questions as a leadership tool and the impact of curiosity in the workplace.

In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Lalley , author of Question to Learn , to explore why questions are one of the most underrated — and misused — leadership tools. We talk about curiosity, influence, and what really happens when leaders feel they’re supposed to have all the answers. In this conversation, we explore: Why most of us stop asking good questions as our careers progress The subtle ways workplace culture rewards answers and punishes curiosity The different motives behind questions — and why some shut people down How questions can build influence without needing certainty What leaders can learn from children, improv, and discomfort Why “I don’t know” might be one of the most powerful things a leader can say The role curiosity plays in a world increasingly shaped by AI Joe’s favourite question — and why it opens doors most people miss This is Influence & Impact for Leaders, the podcast that helps leaders like you increase your impact and build a happy and high performing team. Each episode delivers focused, actionable insights you can implement immediately, to be better at your job without working harder. Work with Carla: 1:1 Leadership Coaching with Carla – get…

People in this episode

Host: Carla

Guest: Joe Lalley

Topics covered

  • questions
  • leadership
  • curiosity
  • influence
  • workplace culture

Keywords

  • leadership tools
  • workplace culture
  • AI
  • influence
  • curiosity

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Question to Learn

Books & works: Ask Better Questions, Question to Learn, Influence & Impact for Leaders, Question to Learn: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Career, Team, and Organization.’, If This Resonated

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