Have you ever met someone whose entire way of communicating feels like an endless game of 20 Questions? Now, imagine that person leading a group of people successfully. Sounds improbable, doesn't it? Yet, this is precisely what makes our protagonist unforgettable. Every sentence they speak is a question. Literally. Not a single declarative sentence, not a shred of directness, just a cascade of queries. And somehow, against all odds, they're running the show. How do they do it?

At first, the concept seems absurd. How do you get anything done if you can't give clear orders? Yet, this protagonist's style reveals an unexpected superpower: the ability to make people think.

"Wouldn't it make sense to tackle the biggest problem first?"
"What if we approached the client with this idea instead?"
"Could we do better?"

These questions aren't just words—they're nudges, challenges, and suggestions cleverly wrapped in a non-threatening package. While most leaders bark instructions, our protagonist challenges others while being friendly. Instead of giving orders, this leader encourages others to contribute. 

Also, aren't many people cautious of overly confident leaders who seem to have all the answers? However, our question-focused leader changes that view. Our leader welcomes curiosity and teamwork. Tell me what is more motivating: hearing, "Here's the solution," or "What ideas do you think could solve this?" By constantly asking questions, our leader gives everyone a chance to speak up. This creates a team that feels valued and involved. Who knew curiosity could be more effective than traditional leadership?

Also, a leader who only asks questions doesn't lecture. They can't because every discussion is a conversation. It's less about "I know best" and more about "What do we think together?" Imagine a team facing a challenge. A typical boss might give a long speech about perseverance. Our leader would likely ask, "What is stopping us from moving forward?" Suddenly, everyone is sharing ideas. Questions can quickly lead to solutions. Who needs to lecture when you can use curiosity? 

Now, imagine this scenario: Tensions are high. A heated argument is about to start. How does our leader respond? They ask a question. "What is the real issue?"  "Can we look at this from a different angle?"  "What would an ideal solution be?" Questions help reduce tension. They can do what demands or ultimatums can't—they lower defenses. They make people pause and think instead of react. Somehow, this leader becomes the calm center of the chaos, turning confusion into clarity with thoughtful inquiries. 

Let's be honest: asking so many questions can sometimes be annoying. Some may find it irritating. Picture asking for help and getting a question in return. Frustrating, right? However, this frustration can drive growth. By not handing out answers, our leader pushes others to take action. Annoying? Perhaps. Effective? Definitely.

So, could a question-only leader thrive outside fiction? It's easy to think this is a silly idea. After all, don't we want clear answers? Yes, but leadership is about empowering others, too. That's where this style shines. By asking questions, a leader can shift focus from "my way" to "our way." This approach might not work in every situation (like during an emergency). But in brainstorming, resolving conflicts, and solving problems? It could be very effective. 

So, what would happen if you tried this in your own life as an author? Could your protagonist lead their team, inspire peers, or even solve their own problems—just by asking better questions? Maybe it's worth a shot. After all, isn't it true that the best stories—and the best leaders—do not provide all the answers? They help us find them.