Having studied under the author Professor Steve Mostyn, my opinion is biased, but I can say without reservation the time invested in reading this book will be an investment for any aspiring leader, or experienced leader looking to sharpen their skills in asking questions!
Not wanting to deprive the readers of discovering for themselves the pearls of wisdom within each chapter, I will give you my favourite insight that once unpacked goes far beyond the context in which it was written for the book:
“People aren’t adverse to change, they are adverse to loss” - Steve Mostyn
I personally could write an entire book explaining all the applications of this one statement… give it a go yourself and see how it lends itself to every contextual scenario! — Pure genius on the Professor’s part!
This book is a rare gem in the crowded field of leadership literature—concise yet profound, practical yet deeply reflective. Aimed at aspiring leaders who are eager not only to learn but to grow, this book presents a thoughtful and elegant framework built around seven deceptively simple yet powerful questions. Rather than offering a traditional checklist of leadership tools, Mostyn invites readers to engage in two of the most transformative activities for any leader: reflection and experimentation. Drawing from decades of experience teaching at the Oxford Executive Leadership Programme and working with thousands of mid-career professionals, Mostyn distills his wisdom into seven core questions that challenge readers to think deeply about their own leadership journey. Each chapter is structured to guide the reader through these questions—such as "How do I spend my time?" and "How do I grow more leaders?"—with engaging exercises, grounded research, and real-world examples. The tone is conversational but purposeful, creating an accessible and motivating reading experience. What sets this book apart is its ability to speak directly to the reader’s inner world while also prompting practical shifts in behavior and mindset. Mostyn's insights are not theoretical musings; they are field-tested reflections that have shaped the growth of over 5,000 leaders worldwide. The questions are designed not just to be answered, but to be lived—and that is where the book's true value lies. For any aspiring leader ready to move beyond surface-level leadership strategies and dig into the deeper questions that shape influence, culture, and legacy, Why Great Leaders Ask Great Questions is essential reading. This is more than a book—it’s a companion for the leadership journey