If You Give the Answers, You’ll Create a Queue
19 December 2025
There’s an obvious trap in being capable, experienced, and helpful.
If you give the answers, solve the problems, and step in constantly … you’ll soon find a queue forming.
This isn't because people can’t think for themselves but because they don’t need to, if you always do it for them.
Answers create dependence.
Questions create capability.
In leadership, the goal isn’t to be the smartest person in the room.
It’s to help others become confident thinkers in their own right.
That means:
Pausing before jumping in
Asking instead of advising
Letting people wrestle a little longer
Trusting that growth happens in the struggle, not the rescue
Try this shift:
Instead of “Here’s what I’d do…”
Ask “What options are you seeing?”
Or “What feels like the right next step for you?”
You might feel less useful in the moment, but you’ll be far more impactful in the long run.
Leaders who give answers build queues.
Leaders who ask questions build leaders.
Remember, the path to extraordinary is walked with a thousand small steps, you’re doing great!
Barry Marshall-Graham
Executive coach and leadership advisor
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