Unlocking Leadership Potential: 5 Key Questions for Teams
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Chapter 1: The Art of Inquiry in Leadership
When reflecting on effective leaders, what traits come to mind? You might think of attributes such as innovation, vision, charisma, resilience, and empathy. Although these qualities are vital, one practice stands out among successful leaders: the ability to ask insightful questions. This skill, often overlooked by many aspiring leaders, is a key to effective leadership.
The good news is that anyone can enhance their questioning abilities, no matter their current proficiency. The importance of this skill cannot be overstated; without it, leaders are likely to operate on assumptions. It's worth considering how many teams have faltered due to misguided assumptions. As Thomas J. Watson aptly stated, “The ability to ask the right question is more than half the battle of finding the answer.”
Maturity in leadership often comes not from having all the right answers but from mastering the art of asking better questions. Reflect on how you can improve your inquiries in your daily interactions.
Here are five questions to consider asking your team or direct reports this week—these will significantly enhance your one-on-one meetings, as I have found them to be effective in my own practice.
THE FIVE QUESTIONS
- How are you doing?
- Is there anything I can do to help?
- What are you currently focused on?
- What challenges are you encountering?
- How can I assist you in achieving our shared objectives?
Let’s dive deeper into these questions.
Section 1.1: Question 1 - How Are You Doing?
This question aims to gauge the personal well-being of your team member. Tone and body language play a crucial role here. It may take some time for someone to open up, but by consistently asking with sincerity, you'll often find that team members appreciate the opportunity to express their thoughts.
Don’t be alarmed if someone becomes emotional or shares more than expected. Many people feel isolated and lack avenues for discussing their struggles. When my team understands that I genuinely care about their well-being, they are more likely to be invested in both me and the organization's mission.
Section 1.2: Question 2 - Is There Anything I Can Do to Help?
While I'm not a therapist, my role is to listen, empathize, and show support. Surprisingly, most of the time, team members respond with a simple “no.” This is perfectly normal; they often recognize that their personal issues are outside the scope of work. Demonstrating care for their personal lives is vital, as their well-being directly impacts their professional performance.
Chapter 2: Understanding Team Dynamics
In this episode, Joe Mull discusses five essential questions leaders should consider asking their employees to foster a supportive work environment.
Section 2.1: Question 3 - What Are You Working on Right Now?
It can sometimes be challenging for managers to keep track of team members' priorities. This question encourages a constructive dialogue about ongoing tasks and projects. If a significant project is not mentioned, it provides an opportunity for me to follow up and check its status.
Section 2.2: Question 4 - What Obstacles Are You Facing?
The answer to this question might sometimes be “none,” but often, it reveals challenges that need addressing. Whether it’s a lack of communication, budget constraints, or technical difficulties, understanding these obstacles allows me to support my team effectively.
By framing the inquiry this way, I empower team members to confront challenges head-on, positioning them as the heroes of their own stories. If systemic issues exist, I am then equipped to address them.
This video emphasizes five essential questions that leaders should consistently ask to build stronger connections with their teams.
Section 2.3: Question 5 - How Can I Assist You in Achieving Our Goals?
As a leader, one of my primary responsibilities is to facilitate my team's success. This question reinforces my commitment to helping them achieve their objectives. While the typical answer might be “no,” if issues like equipment failures or communication barriers arise, I can often step in to provide support.
I invite you to share your thoughts on these five questions and how they can enhance your leadership approach.