Polonsky & Associates Inc.

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Polonsky Principle #221

đź§  Why Great Leaders (and Interviewees) Ask Better Questions

What makes people love a great therapist, a great coach, or a great spiritual leader?

It’s not because they always have the answers.

It’s because they know how to ask the right questions.

The Same Rule Applies in Job Interviews

At the end of an interview, you’ll almost always hear:

“Do you have any questions for us?”
This is your moment.

Yet far too many people smile politely and say,

“Nope, I think you covered everything.”
Big mistake.

That final five minutes of an interview isn’t filler, it’s your chance to learn more, to show curiosity, and to leave an impression.

Here Are 5 of My Favorite Questions to Ask:

1. What makes your best employee stand out?
2. What is keeping you up at night?
3. What gets you most excited about the company’s future?
4. What do you and the team usually do for lunch?
5. Is there anything about me you’re unsure about? If so, I’d love to address it now.

Why These Work

Each of these questions is open-ended, human, and revealing.

They don’t just tell you about the job, they tell you about the culture, leadership, and energy behind it.

For instance, if you ask, “What’s camaraderie like on the team?” you might get a polished response.

But when you ask, “What do you and the team usually do for lunch?” you’ll hear the truth.
You’ll find out whether people actually like working together.

The Last Question Is the Boldest One

Asking if they have concerns about you gives you a rare opportunity to clarify, reassure, and finish the interview strong.

It shows confidence, emotional intelligence, and accountability.

Remember: interviews aren’t just about proving yourself. They’re about finding alignment.

The Takeaway

When you ask great questions, you don’t just stand out, you stand tall.

So don’t let your interview end with “Nope.”Let it end with curiosity, courage, and connection.

Because sometimes, the smartest thing you can say… is a great question.

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