The Questions You Should Be Asking to Support, Motivate, and Challenge Your Team

Asking questions is your most valuable act as a manager and leader. Without asking questions, how are you supposed to know how your team feels? We should be forever curious regarding the growth and betterment of our teams and continuously seek out how they are and what they need from us. While these questions are for them, they are also for us to listen to and inevitably integrate into our workday and leadership styles.?

Here are ten questions to ask your team members in their next one on one or meeting!??

1. After [X] Amount of Years Here, How Do You Feel?

Whether it’s been one year or ten, it is good to check on our team to see how they feel about their work, the environment, and where they are in their careers.?

1. What Are Some of Your Personal Goals This Year??

At times we may be so focused on professional goals that we lose sight of any personal goals. We are all human, after all, and both professional and personal goals are equally important. Ask about their personal goals and be a person of support for those goals.

1. Do You Feel Like Your Work is Appreciated? If Not, What Can I Do Differently?

We do better when we are appreciated. As leaders, we might think we are doing a good job at giving out pats on the back, but to be sure, we should be asking our team members. If you are told they don’t feel appreciated, it is time to get to work and listen to their suggestions.?

1. Are There Any Aspects of the Team Culture You’d Like Changed?

The culture created in the team can make people either feel connected and motivated or like an outsider and disjointed. Individuals vary in personality types, ranging from introverted to extroverted, preferring to work independently or in groups, or having the desire for leadership, or being comfortable following the crowd. Your culture shouldn’t call any of them out or focus on one type of person over another; company culture should bring together everyone’s strong suits.?

1. Is There Something You Would Change or Have Me Start Doing as Manager?

Now, here is a question about you. You might not love the answers, but this question must be asked to support and provide a safe place for your team to give this feedback anonymously so they feel comfortable being honest. You might hear perspectives and ideas that you have never thought of before.?

1. Are You Checking in With Your Team Enough?

People change, and so do their goals. While you might know someone’s goals from a year ago, it’s naive to think they have not changed. During your one-on-ones with your team members, continue to ask them about their goals and support them if you can. Showing interest in them on a regular basis can help to motivate team members.

1. What Are Some Habits You’d Like to Develop?

Now, this is a bit specific, but it can be a great way to get a conversation going. Some team members may want to have better time management habits, communication habits, or organization habits. Having someone like you support and hold them accountable can significantly help.?

1. What Would You Like to Spend Less Time On??

This is a great way to understand what they enjoy and don’t enjoy. Or, you might learn about tasks they are doing that are not under their job title. Overall, this question offers a great opportunity for an in-depth conversation about workload and job titles.?

1. What Would You Like to Spend More Time On?

Maybe your team member has keen skills for some job-related tasks, and they would enjoy a larger workload related to that task. It's important to focus on what is going right for your team, and allowing them to share what they enjoy could help shift some projects, systems, or roles.

1. Do You Have Any New Ideas For The Team/Me??

Finally, include them in what is going on. Whether that be about significant changes within the business or asking where you should get lunch from for the team on Friday, asking them their thoughts and opinions can help them feel included and challenged to bring something to the table. You might even spark some motivation within them.?

How do you motivate, support, and challenge your team? If you want more insights or want to hear more, message me!

_______________