That’s a Great Question!

Have you ever been in a meeting or a training session, raised your hand to ask something, and the speaker responded with, “That’s a great question,” or “I’m so glad you asked that”?

How did it make you feel?

If you're like me, it gave you a little boost. You probably thought, “Wow! The speaker thought my question was great. Yay, me!”

I never gave that moment much thought beyond the ego lift—until I heard someone mention that hearing those words actually gives us a dopamine hit. That tiny phrase can trigger a chemical reward in our brain. Intrigued, I dug in a bit more.

Where Great Questions Come From

Most great questions fall into two categories:

1. A genuine curiosity—a need for more clarity, context, or understanding.

2. A strategic move—a leader asking questions to guide thinking or improve outcomes.

Regardless of the reason, a great question does more than fill silence. It sparks thinking—for the speaker, the asker, and often the whole room.

Sometimes a single question, asked from a place of vulnerability, unlocks brand-new ideas or uncovers issues that weren’t even on the radar.

Questions Create Momentum

Earlier this year, Forbes published an article on why great leaders ask great questions. One line stood out: questions make us “pause, recall, and focus.” When we truly listen, we engage our brain in a different way—one that sharpens thinking and often results in better answers.

But that only happens if we actually hear the question. If we're thinking about our reply before the question even ends—or worse, if we’re mentally onto the next agenda item—we might miss a brilliant moment of connection and insight.

Why Recognition Matters

So what’s the big deal about someone saying, “That’s a great question”?

• It affirms that your voice matters.

• It signals that someone was really listening.

• It encourages others to speak up.

And let’s be honest: sometimes asking a question feels risky. We worry that we’ll look unprepared or out of our depth. Even though we’ve all heard “There’s no such thing as a dumb question,” many of us still hesitate—especially in a room where everyone else seems confident.

But when someone responds with warmth and affirmation, it changes the dynamic. Suddenly, that “maybe dumb” question becomes a catalyst. Maybe it’s a question the presenter had never considered. Maybe half the room was wondering the same thing.

Or maybe it’s asked all the time—but still deserves thoughtful attention.

The point is, the speaker acknowledged it.

A Word to Leaders, Facilitators, and Presenters

I’m not suggesting you toss out “That’s a great question” for every raised hand. If overused, it starts to feel hollow.

But when a question does challenge you, spark something new, or help move the conversation forward, say so.

Recognizing good questions builds confidence, deepens connection, and encourages more thoughtful engagement.

And who knows? Your response might just be the little nudge someone needed to speak up again.

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If you're interested in learning more about my coaching and training services or how I can help you turn your visions into realities, email me at doris@dunnwise.com, reach out via DM or visit my website at www.dunnwise.com. And be sure to listen to the Leaderish Podcast for great insights on Leadership.