Which type of question is best for inviting a free response from subordinates?

Open-ended questions are the best type for inviting a free response from subordinates because they encourage discussion and allow individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings in their own words. This format does not restrict the respondent's answers, promoting a dialogue that can lead to deeper insights and understanding.

Using open-ended questions allows leaders to gather more comprehensive information and fosters a culture of openness and engagement within the team. This is particularly important in leadership scenarios where feedback, collaboration, and creative problem-solving are essential for team development and decision-making.

In contrast, closed-ended questions typically lead to a "yes" or "no" answer and provide limited insight, while leading questions can steer the response in a particular direction, possibly biasing the information received. Hypothetical questions, while useful for exploring scenarios, may not necessarily yield genuine responses grounded in reality, thus limiting the effectiveness of the conversation.