Chapter 4: Questions That Lead to Promotions

Imani Rhodes

Okay - we're rolling into chapter four. Imani Rhodes, here with Miles Carter. And today, we’re talking about something that, I wish someone had told me in my-first-job. Leadership doesn’t start when you get the title. It starts way, way before that.

Miles Carter

Yeah, and it’s not about being the loudest in the room or having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions. There’s actual research on this—Harvard Business Review found that people who ask more questions are seen as more competent and likable. And Google’s Project Oxygen? Their best managers ask more clarifying questions than they give instructions. That’s wild, right?

Imani Rhodes

“It is. And it’s so counterintuitive. I used to think, ‘If I just do my job perfectly, someone will notice.’ But the people who get noticed are the ones who ask the questions that shift the moment. ”Like, in my first HR job, I was just supposed to run through the onboarding checklist—‘Here’s your badge, your desk, the break room’s down the hall.’ But I paused and asked, -’What's something that made you nervous before you walked in this morning? ’The guy blinked. Then he laughed, and said, ‘Honestly? I thought I wouldn’t fit in. ’Suddenly, it wasn’t just paperwork. It was human. Ten minutes later, we’d talked about company culture, team dynamics, and how to make his first week feel like a win. Later that day, my manager pulled me aside and said, ‘That question? It shows you care. That’s leadership.’”

Miles Carter

That’s such a good example. And it reminds me of this story—Nina, the barista over at Coffee Tree. She was working third shift, just doing her thing, not really in the spotlight. One day, her manager’s venting about how shift leads never stick around. Nina just asks, “What kind of support would keep them here longer?” That’s it. The manager’s like, “No one’s ever asked me that.” Two weeks later, Nina’s training for shift supervisor. Not because she had all the answers, but because she asked the question that showed she was thinking about the whole system, not just her station.

Imani Rhodes

Right. It’s not about experience—it’s about courage. Frances Frei from Harvard Business School said, “Great questions don’t require experience. They require courage.” And honestly, that’s what makes people promotable. Not just doing the work, but wondering better.

Miles Carter

Yeah, I love that. “Promotable people ask promotable questions.” It’s not about knowing everything—it’s about being curious in a way that helps everyone get better.

Miles Carter

So let’s get practical. There’s a huge difference between reactive questions and strategic ones. Like, if you’re in IT and you ask, “What should I do?”—that’s fine, but it’s reactive. But if you ask, “How can we improve this process so we don’t get the same ticket every week?”—now you’re thinking like a leader.

Imani Rhodes

Exactly. Or, let’s say you’re a server at a restaurant. Instead of, “Should I comp this meal?” you could ask, “What’s the best way I can turn a complaint into a loyal guest today?” That’s a question that changes the whole vibe.

Miles Carter

Yes! Or warehouse worker could ask herself something like; -“If we could fix one bottleneck in this process, what would it be?” That’s not just about getting through the day—it’s about making the whole system better. And when you ask that, you generate new ideas. You're not just doing your job you're contributing to progress.

Imani Rhodes

It’s not about showing off. It’s about showing initiative. Clarifying and forward-thinking questions and ideas signal that you care about the bigger-picture. You’re not just a worker—you’re a thinker. And that’s what gets you invited to bigger conversations.

Miles Carter

Right. And sometimes people worry, “Am I gonna sound arrogant if I ask these questions?” But honestly, the research says the opposite. Managers remember the people who ask, “What’s the most helpful way I could grow in this role?” or “What would make me more valuable to the team?” Those are the folks who get tapped for new projects, or even promotions, before there’s a job posting.

Imani Rhodes

And anyone can do this. Like, after a shift, you could ask, “What would help this run smoother next time?” Or, if you’re new, “What are the unspoken things people here respect the most?” These questions show you’re awake, you’re engaged, and you’re thinking beyond your own to-do list.

Miles Carter

Yeah, and it’s not about being perfect. Sometimes you’ll ask a question and it’ll land flat. That’s okay. The point is, you’re building a habit of curiosity. And that’s what sets you apart.

Imani Rhodes

Alright, let’s get into the “how.” Because none of this matters if it just stays in your head. Here’s what you can do, starting tomorrow. First, ask one elevating question this week. Just one. In a meeting, in a chat, wherever. Something that moves the conversation forward.

Miles Carter

Second, start a “Better Questions” notes list. Just open your phone or a notebook. Every week, jot down one smart question you heard or used. It builds awareness—and it becomes a habit.

Imani Rhodes

And third, talk with a manager or someone you respect. Ask them, “Are there any go-to questions you use to get clarity or build stronger relationships with your team?” You’ll get gold from that.

Miles Carter

Let’s do a couple quick roleplays, just to make this stick. I’ll be the admin who’s been asked to reformat a document for the third time. Instead of, “You want it redone again?” I’ll say, “What’s the core message we’re trying to highlight here? I want to get this right.”

Imani Rhodes

That’s so good. Or you’re wrapping up a project and you ask, “What would help this run smoother next time?” It’s simple, but it opens the door to improvement.

Miles Carter

Yeah, proactively asking for feedback isn’t always comfortable—but it’s one of the fastest ways to grow and reach your goals. “What’s one thing I could do differently that would make working with me easier?” It’s clear, humble, and invites honest insight without putting people on defense. Ask it before there’s a problem—and watch what opens up.

Imani Rhodes

I love that. And honestly, if you try just one new question tomorrow at work, you’re already ahead. Share what happens in the community feed. These small shifts? They create real change.

Miles Carter

And don’t just listen—do the action items and the game. That’s what makes this stick in the real world. Try a new question, start your notes list, ask for feedback. And then jump into the community—share what worked, what flopped, what surprised you. That’s how we all get better.

Imani Rhodes

right. “Our community brings together people from every background, industry, and experience level—trades, admin, sales, service—sharing wins, stumbles, and the exact phrases they’re trying out. Be the one who contributes. Be the one who leads with a question. Take the questions from this chapter and ask yourself, “How would I say this in a more natural, everyday way?”

Miles Carter

Absolutely. These aren’t scripts—they’re tools. Use them. Shape them. Make them yours. Great questions challenge the status quo—and that’s how real growth starts.

Imani Rhodes

That’s all for today. Remember—use better words, ask better questions, and lead from wherever you stand.