5 Powerful Questions Every People Manager Needs to Know and Use - People Leaders (2024)

5 Powerful Questions Every People Manager Needs to Know and Use - People Leaders (1)

Forming good questions is an art form that is acquired through practice.

When you ask the right questions, you can unlock the latent potential that lies within your team.
Here are 5 key questions that, if used consistently will lift the level of performance of you and your team. Drum roll please…

  1. What do you think? Not rocket science is it? This question is best asked after a statement or observation as it allows you to find out very quickly what your team members thinking process and focus is. Encouraging your team to voice their opinion in an environment of curiosity and support is a powerful tool of engagement. Once unlocked, will lead to a culture of learning, trust and right action.
  2. What makes you think this? This question helps your team member make connections to their ideas and thoughts with information they have actually experienced, seen, researched or heard. This also pushes them to provide more depth and a reason for their answer.
  3. Can you tell me more? Team members are used to asking you questions, not answering them, and this will take time and patience on your part to get the answer. It also encourages your team member to think more deeply about the issue. The pay-off is a more empowered and skilled team.
  4. How can I support you with this? This is an opportunity to demonstrate collaboration and support while still giving them responsibility for the issue or situation.
  5. What do you think are the next steps? This question rounds off the conversation or interaction with a call to action. What better way to complete most one on one conversations? Your team member leaves with an idea of what to do and how to do it, and you have a level of comfort knowing what they are going to do.

Next time you have a one-on-one with ateam member try including some of these questions and let us know how you get on.

5 Powerful Questions Every People Manager Needs to Know and Use - People Leaders (2)

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5 Powerful Questions Every People Manager Needs to Know and Use - People Leaders (2024)

FAQs

5 Powerful Questions Every People Manager Needs to Know and Use - People Leaders? ›

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today? What is one mistake you witness leaders making more frequently than others? What is the one behavior or trait that you have seen derail more leaders' careers?

What questions should I ask leaders of leaders? ›

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today? What is one mistake you witness leaders making more frequently than others? What is the one behavior or trait that you have seen derail more leaders' careers?

Which of these is not one of the top five powerful questions? ›

Final answer:

The question "Is that what you want?" is NOT one of the top five Powerful Questions.

What is the power of questions in leadership? ›

Asking questions in a team setting and learning the peaks and valleys of everyone's lives, their values, and how they overcome mistakes helps build knowledge about how each person acts in positive or stressful situations, Åberg said.

Why is asking questions important for leaders? ›

Questioning forces us to make important decisions

It then stands to reason that questions might also help leaders better understand the culture and habits of their organization.

What are the five powerful questions? ›

5 Powerful Questions Every People Manager Needs to Know and Use
  • What do you think? Not rocket science is it? ...
  • What makes you think this? ...
  • Can you tell me more? ...
  • How can I support you with this? ...
  • What do you think are the next steps?

What is a powerful question? ›

Powerful questions are open ended and empower the person responding to choose the direction they take. They create possibilities and encourage discovery, deeper understanding, and new insights. They are curious and non-judgmental as they seek to further learning and connection.

What are the 4 power questions? ›

There are four types of power questions. They are relating questions, resonating questions, differentiating questions, and activating questions.

What are the 6 universal questions? ›

How and/or when are the "six universal questions" (i.e. who, what, where, when, how, & why) used? I've heard they are the basis for teaching journalism, story-telling, criminology, and some forms of strategic planning.

What are the six crucial questions? ›

Six questions that create clarity*
  • Why do we exist? ( this question looks at your reason for existence and core purpose)
  • How do we behave? ( this question looks at your core values and key behaviors)
  • What do we do? ( ...
  • How will we succeed? ( ...
  • What is most important, right now? ( ...
  • Who must do what? (
May 29, 2017

What are the three questions that define leadership? ›

Her studies revealed that 3 key questions help define successful leadership.
  • Where are you looking to anticipate change?
  • What is the diversity measure of your network?
  • Are you courageous enough to abandon the past?
Jul 29, 2016

What is the power of strategic questions? ›

Questions shape our thoughts, our decisions, and in turn, our actions. In the corporate world, strategic questioning can lead to disruptive innovation. In our personal lives, the right questions can drive self-awareness and meaningful growth.

What are the four pillars of leadership power with purpose? ›

Four Pillars of Effective Leadership
  • Good leaders enlist empowerment and personal commitment to drive results. In today's "flat" organizations, leadership is no longer synonymous with authority. ...
  • Integrity. ...
  • Accountability. ...
  • Learning. ...
  • Sharing. ...
  • A Balanced Approach.

How to ask good questions as a manager? ›

Only ask relevant questions so your team know that their answer or feedback will contribute to something worthwhile. Employees are more willing to answer questions truthfully and fully if they know and can see that change will happen as a result.

Why are powerful questions important? ›

Powerful questions can help the receiver of the question move forward and learn how to take action, set goals, and get the help they need. Purpose: Educators will practice ask powerful questions while engaging in data conversations.

What are good questions to ask a VP? ›

To help you get started, here are 15 top questions to ask leaders you respect:
  • Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship? ...
  • What is one decision you wish you didn't make? ...
  • How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles? ...
  • What are the most important attributes of successful leaders today?
Jul 31, 2023

What are the questions for discussion about leadership? ›

THE DISCUSSION ON LEADERSHIP
(1)What springs to mind when you hear the word 'leadership'?
(3)Why is good leadership important?
(4)What do you think of the leadership of your country?
(5)What is the most important thing a leader must remember about leadership?
(6)Have you ever been in positions of leadership?
5 more rows

What are good answers to leadership questions? ›

Sample answer:

Leadership is about collaboration and inspiring others to do their best work. I aim to be direct and collaborate with my team members by delegating tasks, leading by example, and making sure they know I care.”

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