In the busy daily routine, it can be difficult to ensure you are having meaningful conversations with your team members. Asking the right questions can show employees you care and give you insight into how they truly are feeling.
Harvard Business Review shares the following questions to ask your team.
- How are you showing up today on a scale of 1–10? Rather than a vague “How are you?” question, asking for a numerical score invites self-reflection. When they provide a number, dig deeper to see what could be contributing to those feelings.
- What’s something you are excited about outside of work? This question helps you build rapport and learn about the employee’s personal passions, which can help create space for openness and connection.
- Do you derive meaning from your work? If not, what changes could help? It is crucial you understand what motivates your team members. Ask about what they like and do not like about their role, and listen without interrupting.
- What could make this job or company more compelling for you in the long run? When you understand what drives a person’s long-term commitment, it helps you retain top talent. Be open to employee ideas and collaborate on solutions.
- What drains you at work, and what can I do to support you? Ask about tasks or challenges that feel like time-wasters, and consider how you can help. However, be sure to show support rather than trying to micromanage.
- What are your career goals and dreams? How can I help you move toward them? Learn about employees’ ambitions beyond their current role. Show investment in their growth, which can be in the form of suggesting training opportunities, offering stretch assignments or simply listening.
