Take the ‘un’ out of unasked
Investigating the leadership questions traditional research overlooks.
Leadership advice is everywhere. This independent research initiative examines the personal histories, hidden assumptions and overlooked experiences that may shape how people lead.
the why
We keep asking leaders how to build trust, show empathy and become more resilient. We spend less time asking why they lead the way they do in the first place.
A leader can learn the language of empathy and still avoid difficult conversations. They can talk about trust while struggling to delegate. If we want to understand what shapes leadership behavior, we have to ask questions that familiar advice doesn’t reach.
That is why I created The Unasked Project. Through interviews, surveys and independent research, it explores the experiences and patterns behind how people lead—and what those findings could change at work.
I’ve spent nine years covering leadership and interviewing more than 800 leaders, executives and professionals. My doctorate in organizational leadership taught me how to study the questions. Those conversations taught me how many are still waiting to be asked.
how participation works
let’s get started
1. Join the UNASKED List
Get a first look at the overlooked leadership questions we’re investigating.
2. Find a Topic That Speaks to You
Each study explores a leadership topic that deserves more attention.
3. Raise Your Hand
Interested in participating? Complete the screening form to be considered for the study.
what happens next
4. Your Story Stays Yours
Protecting your identity and keeping your participation confidential are priorities throughout the research process.
5. Set Aside 45 Minutes
Block off time for a focused, one-on-one conversation—no preparation or perfect answers required.
6. Get Ready to Look Beneath the Leadership Title
Be prepared to examine your behaviors, patterns and assumptions in ways you may not have considered before.
Publication
7. We Connect the Dots
Interview responses are reviewed to identify recurring behaviors, shared experiences and unexpected leadership patterns.
8. We Bring the Findings Forward
The strongest insights become part of an independent research report examining what traditional leadership research may have overlooked.
9. We Keep the Conversation Going
The findings inform articles, future studies and practical conversations about how leadership really develops and shows up at work.
confidentiality
Your participation will remain confidential.
Names, employers and identifying details will not be published in the research findings without separate, explicit permission.
Some participants may later be invited to contribute an attributed perspective to a related article. That invitation would be separate, entirely optional and require additional consent.
Dr. Cheryl robinson
Dr. Cheryl Robinson is a leadership and career journalist with a doctorate in organizational leadership. During nine years of covering leadership as a senior contributor @ Forbes, she has interviewed more than 800 leaders, executives and professionals. Her work examines the gap between conventional leadership advice and how leadership is actually experienced.
Don’t Follow the Conversation. Question It.
Be the first to discover which overlooked leadership question we are investigating next—and what the research reveals.
Join the UNASKED List for:
First access to upcoming study topics
Invitations to participate in the research
Quarterly research reports
New findings and related articles
Joining the list keeps you informed.
**It never commits you to participating in a study.