Asking Powerful Questions to Co-Create Solutions at TechnipFMC

When the HR and L&D teams at TechnipFMC came together for a workshop on Leading with Questions, the goal was to shift how they engage with their internal stakeholders—not as passive solution providers, but as co-creators of meaningful change. At the heart of this shift lies one of the simplest yet most powerful tools: asking powerful questions.

Grounded in the World Institute for Action Learning (WIAL) framework, designed by Dr. Michael Marquardt and Dr. Bea Carson, the session began by reframing the why behind asking questions. It then moved into the how—exploring the intention behind a question, and the impact it can have on shaping conversations, revealing deeper needs, and strengthening collaboration. Most importantly, the program was designed to be highly practical. Participants applied the learning to their real work scenarios—questioning assumptions, reflecting on past interactions, and co-creating a pool of powerful questions to bring back into their everyday conversations.

A key focus was helping HR professionals reflect on how they can resist the urge to quickly respond with solutions. Too often, they’re approached with a request like: “We need a communication training for this person.” But the real development need may lie elsewhere. The session showed how asking thoughtful questions—“What’s really going on?” “What outcome are you hoping for?”—can lead to more effective, tailored, and meaningful support.

What Participants Took Away

The feedback from the group reflected a powerful mix of self-awareness and commitment to practice. Some key takeaways included:

1.Simple in Concept, Challenging in Practice

Participants realized that while the idea of asking questions seems straightforward, it takes awareness, discipline, and practice to do well—especially under pressure.

“What we learned today seems simple, but not easy to practice.”

2.Reinforcement, Not Just Revelation

Much of the content wasn’t new—but it served as a timely reminder of what often gets lost in the rush of work life.

“We ought to know these things, but we don’t always practice them.”

3.Letting Go of Judgment & Control

The session surfaced a common tendency to rush into problem-solving. Participants saw the value of slowing down and leading with curiosity instead.

“I have the tendency to give the solution rather than listen.”

4.The Power of Framing

Framing matters. Especially in cross-cultural or sensitive contexts, how a question is asked—particularly the word “why”—can make or break a conversation.

“When I ask ‘why,’ I want to know, not to challenge.”

5.Awareness is the Foundation of Skill

Participants highlighted the importance of being self-aware before and during conversations. Being present, intentional, and observant is where powerful questioning begins.

6.Practising in Safe Spaces (Including with AI!)

Several participants shared that they plan to use tools like ChatGPT or Copilot to experiment with phrasing and tone—helping them develop the habit in a low-pressure setting.

“I think I’m going to go back and practice with AI daily.”

7.Modelling Curiosity is Contagious

Leaders who model curiosity and thoughtful questioning create a ripple effect.

“If you role model the question, you influence others.”

8.From “I Think” to “I Know”

Good questions help move beyond assumptions—leading to clearer understanding and better decisions, particularly in challenging areas like conflict and high turnover.

9.A Call to Action: Multiply the Impact

The session closed with a challenge: how can this mindset spread across the organization?

“Multiply by 2, multiply by 5—we’ll have a critical mass of curious leaders.”

Whether you're an HR BP or a CEO, leadership isn’t about having all the answers. Often, the most powerful move is to ask a meaningful question—and create the space for insight, connection, and co-creation to follow.

This workshop wasn’t about turning HR professionals into coaches or facilitators overnight—it was about helping them slow down, listen more intentionally, and see questions as a strategic tool for deeper insight, stronger relationships, and greater impact.