Questions can help leaders go farther and do more. Knowing the right questions to ask will get you the answers you need.
Yet, there are leaders who are unwilling to ask questions. They think it will show that they don’t know it all or that they need help.
Photo by Rohan Makheca
Guess what?!? Leaders don’t know it all. They never will. Leaders need help. There won’t be a day where you can lead and not need the help of someone.
So, let’s get into the habit of asking great questions. Below, you will find questions that can help you lead better.
Questions Leaders Need To Be Asking
What do you need from me?
This question lets your team members know that you’re thinking of them and see them. You’re letting them know you are there for them.
Is everything okay?
You may think this isn’t an important question but it is. So many people on our teams are not okay. They’re struggling with mental and physical pain. Asking them if they’re okay gives them the ability to open up to you.
How can we improve this process?
Many of our processes are out of date. They’re not effective. And leadership doesn’t even recognize it. By asking your team how we can improve the process, you will get eye-opening answers.
Who do I need to get to know?
Leaders are relationship builders. They look to build bridges and add value. Knowing who you need to connect with will help you build more bridges and gain value.
Who do you need to know?
Ask others who they need to know. You have built bridges to many relationships. You can connect people with the right connections and help them succeed.
What are you struggling with?
People are struggling. It may be something you can help with. It may be something you can’t. You won’t know until you ask those around you this important question.
Do you know how your work impacts others?
Your team needs to know there’s a good reason behind the work you do. Ask them if they know how their work is making a difference. If they don’t, you have the opportunity to share with them the great things their work is making possible.
What good books have you read lately?
Leaders are always looking to improve. Books are a great way to increase your knowledge and skills. Ask those around you what they’re reading and take notes!
Who has had a major impact on your life?
It’s not only famous people who have impacted the lives of those you lead. There are everyday, normal people making a difference. By getting to know who these people are, you can form deeper connections with those you lead.
How’s your family?
This can be a dicey question but it is a very helpful question to ask. Much like your work-life impacts your home-life, home-life impacts your work-life. Find out how they’re doing and what you can do to help.
How am I doing?
A great leader knows there’s always a place he can improve. Ask those you lead how they see you’re doing and what you can do to improve.
What are your hopes and dreams?
Your people have a deep desire to do something important. They have hopes and dreams of what they can become. You can help them achieve these hopes and dreams but you have to know them first.
If you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
This question helps you to understand why someone is working. People work so they can do the things they enjoy. Discovering what your people enjoy doing helps you understand them as a whole. It also helps you realize how you can reward them!
What Questions Are You Asking?
You have to constantly ask questions. Questions dig into who we are and why we’re doing what we’re doing. They also help us understand if things are being taken care of and any needs that may arise.
Be a question asker.
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