MSMP 94: Alain Hunkins on Asking Better Questions

What Does MSMP 94: Alain Hunkins on Asking Better Questions Talk About?

In this episode of the Mads Singers Management Podcast, host Mads Singers interviews Alain Hunkins, a leadership development expert with over two decades of experience training individuals and teams across 25 countries. The conversation centers on the power of asking better questions to unlock team potential and improve managerial effectiveness. Alain emphasizes that regardless of industry, leaders are ultimately in the people business, making it crucial to prioritize curiosity and empathy over technical expertise. He shares practical strategies such as starting one-on-ones with the question 'What's the biggest challenge you are facing right now?' and highlights how empathy can boost performance by up to 40%. The episode also explores the pitfalls of being a 'fixer-in-chief,' the importance of deep work for leaders, and the transformative habit of proactively seeking feedback.

No matter what industry you are in, you’re ultimately in the people business, so it’s less important to be subject matter experts in particular industries and more important to be asking the right questions.Alain Hunkins

Who Is Featured on MSMP 94: Alain Hunkins on Asking Better Questions?

Alain Hunkins is a seasoned leadership trainer who has worked with over 2,000 businesses in more than 25 countries. Originally from New York City, he now resides in the Netherlands. His unique background includes an undergraduate degree in Literature with a minor in psychology and a graduate degree in theater, which inform his deep curiosity about human interaction. Alain is the author of 'Cracking the Leadership Code' and co-author of 'The Leadership Challenge' with Kouzes and Posner. His approach combines practical tools with a focus on building genuine connections to drive performance.

What Are the Key Takeaways From MSMP 94: Alain Hunkins on Asking Better Questions?

• Asking open-ended questions like 'What's the biggest challenge you are facing right now?' builds trust and uncovers key issues in one-on-ones.
• Empathy from managers can increase team performance by up to 40%.
• Developing people has a multiplier effect, while simply fixing problems has only an additive effect.
• Setting aside time for deep work allows leaders to focus on what matters most and positively influences their teams.
• When receiving feedback, the only proper response is 'Thank you' without defensiveness.

Empathy with your people and their situations can lead to performance increases as high as 40%!Alain Hunkins

Is MSMP 94: Alain Hunkins on Asking Better Questions Worth Listening To?

This episode is a must-listen for new and experienced managers alike who want to shift from a problem-solving mindset to a people-developing one. Alain's insights are practical and immediately applicable, whether you're conducting one-on-ones or trying to build a culture of feedback. The conversation is engaging and packed with actionable advice that can transform how you lead.

Who Should Listen to MSMP 94: Alain Hunkins on Asking Better Questions?

• New managers
• Experienced leaders
• HR professionals
• Team coaches

What Are Listeners Saying About This Episode?

My guest for this episode of the Mads Singers Management Podcast is Alain Hunkins who has trained individuals and teams in 2000+ businesses in over 25 countries over the last two decades.  He is originally from NYC but currently lives in the Netherlands.  Fascinatingly, Alain’s curiosity about how people interact with each other is informed by an undergraduate degree in Literature with a minor in psychology and a graduate degree in...theater!

That fact kicked off our conversation, as Alain pointed out that no matter what industry you are in, you’re ultimately in the people business, so it’s less important to be subject matter experts in particular industries and more important to be asking the right questions.  One of the first ones that Alain usually leads with is, “What’s the biggest challenge you are facing right now?”

One of the ways that you can keep track of the challenges your team is facing is by having consistent one-on-ones.  By building relationships with people through these regular meetings, you will find out what makes them tick, what they are passionate about, and most importantly, how you can help them.  Alain noted that empathy with your people and their situations can lead to performance increases as high as 40%!  As I often say, as an individual, your work is judged by what you can achieve, but as a manager, you are judged by what you inspire and motivate in others.  

Alain agreed, noting that developing people has a multiplier effect, whereas simply “fixing” things is just an additive effect: you get fewer results, slower.

Alain contends that another important activity for those in management is a specific time set aside for deep work.  Those who are willing to shut out distractions and focus on the most important things consistently make the biggest strides.  That habit won’t just matter for yourself: it will have positive ripple effects on your team.

We also discussed the importance of proactively asking for feedback and the proper (and only) answer to give when receiving it: “Thank you.”

There are so many other great points Alain shared during our conversation: check out the episode, you’ll learn a lot.  I sure did!

Key Learning Points: 

1. Alain shares one of the first questions he usually poses to clients - 3:54

2. Alain warns on the temptation of being “fixer-in-chief” - 7:54

3. Mads discusses the key transition that newly promoted managers have to make - 10:30

4. Mads and Alain note what message gets sent by the length of the notice you give - 13:53

5. Alain discusses a key shortcoming of clients when they first start getting coached by him - 15:20

6. Alain talks about why habits aren’t just for ourselves - 20:10

7. Alain explains the first two categories he looks at when looking to improve the performance of managers - 21:15

8.  Alain shares why good leaders ask for feedback - 26:05

9.  Mads and Alain share the only correct answer when receiving feedback - 29:22

Resources Mentioned:

The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner

Connect with Alain Hunkins

Cracking the Leadership Code