5 questions every good leader should ask

5 questions every good leader should ask – and feel free to use at home

The AgadoPro model builds heavily on L. David Marquet‘ s Turn the Ship, which uses the story of a submarine captain to show how decision-making authority can be gradually transferred to lower levels of the organisation – increasing a sense of responsibility, trust and performance.

Marquet was given a submarine that he had never seen before. He realised that if he made all the decisions, they would be mistakes and frustration – not efficiency. So he did something radically different: he started to give the decision back to the crew. People stopped taking orders and started taking the initiative.

The goal was:
“Don’t move information to authority – move authority to information.“
In other words: make the decision where the information is.

The result?
The previously poorly performing boat has risen to an unprecedented level. The crew became more motivated, the number of mistakes decreased and the team really started to take responsibility.

This way of thinking was very close to what we had long advocated. The book confirmed that it is not only possible to lead differently – it is necessary. And out of it came the 5 Questions model we developed ourselves, which helps turn teams into thinking, autonomous, responsible actors.

And perhaps best of all, these questions work at home too.

The 5 questions that not only improve decisions but also deepen human relationships

These questions are not panaceas. But when they are present regularly, they help us connect – and grow.

1. What is the problem?

🧠 Develops: situational awareness, clarity of vision

• At work: more targeted communication, fewer misunderstandings
• At home: more open conversations, clearer emotional expression

2. What is the reason?

🧠 Develops: critical thinking, empathy

• At work: not just focusing on symptoms
• At home: a more understanding attitude towards each other, less hurt

3. What ideas do we have?

🧠 Develops: creativity, active participation

• At work: the team thinks more boldly, proposes
• At home: the child learns to think about what could work and actively participates in shaping the solution

4. Which would you choose?

🧠 Develops: decision-making skills, autonomy

• At work: more confidence in your decisions
• At home: more partnered relationships, more independent children

5. Who are you asking for help from?

🧠 Develops: connection, cooperation

• At work: stronger team effectiveness
• Home: a safe family space where it’s natural to ask for help

One of the most important things a leader can do: ask questions

These questions do not come naturally. A conscious leader, parent or mentor is present – and curious to ask, not quick to solve.

Because when we ask questions like these, we not only encourage reflection – we also convey:
“I trust you.”

And that feeling – that someone is counting on us and we are counting on them – is one of the most powerful drivers of progress.

Why is this important to me?

I see these 5 questions as a basis for organisational development.
But there is more to it than that. They are people development issues.

They help you to see more clearly, to connect, to take responsibility – not only at work, but also in everyday life.

Because if we ask differently, we connect differently. And that’s what matters in the long run.

If you think it’s worth a try, start with a single question – and see what happens.

I’m happy to help if you want to tailor this for training, workshops, team building or family communication.

One question can be enough to get something going.

Attila Jezsó

Have a question? Contact us and together we will put together a tailor-made development package. We can even support you on the spot with consultants and coaches to make the change a success!

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