How to Lead by Asking Effective Questions
Margie Hagene

Creating a culture of problem solving is the foundation of a Lean Enterprise. As a leader of problem solvers, it’s important you know how to effectively ask questions that support the technical and social dimensions of solving problems.

Putting this and other related lean principles into practice means not only knowing how to question, but understanding the thinking behind your role as a lean leader, which was once summed up by Toyota Chairman Fujio Cho as, "ask why, go see, treat people with respect."

In "How to Lead by Asking Effective Questions," experienced lean practitioner Margie Hagene will help you:

• Understand why asking questions is an essential skill that supports the lean leader's role

• Realize how asking questions helps create an organization of problem solvers

• Learn the value of asking questions effectively

• Practice effective questioning

• Develop a mini personal plan for taking the first steps at continuing practice when you return to work

• Discover how to recognize that your questioning skills are improving

Margie Hagene

Margie Hagene has over 20 years’ experience helping executives and senior leaders develop new skills for leading in a lean environment as their roles and responsibilities change. For 18 years, Hagene was a global internal consultant for Ford Motor Company at all levels within the organization, from team leaders to the COO, in Product Development, Design, and Manufacturing.

Since exiting Ford, Hagene has worked in a variety of service and manufacturing industries helping organizations effectively blend the social and technical elements in complex systems to ensure the sustainability of their lean transformation. Hagene is also active with university programs in areas of leadership development, organizational learning, and lean thinking. Hagene holds a bachelor’s degree from Butler University and a master’s from Indiana University.