Practical Leadership: Asking the right people or the right question?
You are now working on important projects and receiving a lot of advice on how to effectively manage them. Should you be focusing on asking good questions or asking the right people?
We may have different perspectives on this question, but I would like to share my experience on this topic.
Early Stage Projects: Why the Right People Matter Most
During the project initiation phase or even earlier, I have found that the benefits of asking the right people outweigh asking the right questions. Many times, I have discovered valuable information from “the right people” with simple questions.
Sometimes, I do not even have to ask any questions. They just share their aspirations and pain points. The real work is to think and analyze these inputs.
Having a project means delivering value through temporary and unique activities outside the Business as Usual (BAU). The “right people” will sharpen your understanding of the potential value that you can deliver through your project.
Pitfalls of Misidentifying Stakeholders
The common pitfall is to identify the right people based on how we will run the project instead of identifying them based on the values that need to be delivered to the organization. The best scenario in this situation is to revise your project scope before you start.
The worst-case scenario? The key people in the business will be shaking their heads when they attend your project delivery presentation.
When the Right Questions Come Into Play
So, when can we see “asking the right questions” as becoming more beneficial?
In my experience, asking the right questions becomes more crucial as the project progresses towards planning and execution stages. This is when we have clearly identified “who to ask.”
A Call to Refocus Leadership Communication
What motivated me to write on this topic and discuss it more with leaders? Because I am seeing a relentless focus on asking “sophisticated” questions in project meetings, completely ignoring the value of better listening to what the “right people” have to say.
Asking good questions is not the real work. The real work is to deliver value through your projects.
Listen more to the right people so you can deliver what matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is practical leadership?
Practical leadership is the application of leadership principles that focus on delivering meaningful results. It means making decisions based on real-world input, listening to key stakeholders, and prioritising value over theory. Rather than focusing on abstract strategies or clever questions, practical leadership is about doing what works—and adapting as you learn.
How does asking the right people support practical leadership?
Practical leaders know that value comes from those closest to the work or problem. Engaging the right people early helps you define real opportunities, avoid missteps, and ensure your project delivers outcomes that matter. Listening well is more effective than asking perfect questions.
Why is identifying the “right people” a leadership skill?
Because the success of any project depends on hearing from those with deep knowledge or direct involvement. Practical leaders don’t default to org charts—they think about who holds insight into the problem, the process, or the pain point. That’s how they deliver relevant results.
How does practical leadership prevent project misalignment?
By engaging the right people and clarifying value early, practical leaders reduce the risk of wasted time, irrelevant outputs, and negative reactions from stakeholders. This proactive approach ensures your project lands well with those who matter.
What is the key to leading practical projects effectively?
The key is prioritising outcomes over optics. Practical leaders focus on value, relationships, and action. They start by listening to the right people, stay focused on delivering impact, and treat leadership as a service—not a performance.
About the Author: Hendro Fujiono – Transformation, Top Team Performance & Innovation Expert
Hendro is a management consultant and executive coach with a proven track-record in business transformation, change management and innovation. He works with leaders across industries to orchestrate change, deliver coaching programs on practical business leadership skills, and facilitate strategic workshops. If you would like to read more about Hendro and his workshops on Essemy click this link.
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