My long-time pal and colleague in the speaking profession Joe Calloway just interviewed me for our professional association. There are many things I like about Joe but I was reminded of something he does exceptionally well: he asks good questions.

Asking good questions is a well-worn if not worn out topic in leadership. But what makes a question “good”?

Thanks to my recent interview, I’ve given that a bit of thought. Here’s what I’d suggest:

1. A good question is a question seldom or rarely asked. If you ask the same questions as everyone else, you’ll typically get similar answers with slight variation. An obvious question is rarely a good question. The question that proceeds a good question is “What hasn’t been asked that needs to be asked?”

2. A good question assumes value in the answer. If a question creates an answer that doesn’t provide insight, why ask it? I’ve heard many ask a question designed to show how much the questioner knows rather than seek new information.

3. A good question challenges the person who is asked. If a question is answered quickly it is either because it is a lame question or because the answer is given carelessly. I like a question that makes me pause to think; a question that doesn’t allow an easy or convenient answer.

4. A good question has value to both he or she who asked and he or she who answers. A good question provides insight to both parties, not just the asker. Joe certainly got me thinking about some things I hadn’t previously put into words.

If there’s a moral to the story, it is this: improve the quality of your questions and you’ll improve the quality the responses.