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

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.