When Managers Help by Asking Questions
Cathie Leimbach • July 29, 2020
This is a subtitle for your new post
How do you structure meetings with your direct reports? Do you give them their assignments for this week and then adjourn the meeting? Or, do you encourage two-way conversations by asking open-ended questions to learn about the successes, joys, and challenges in their personal life and their work responsibilities?
A manager's job is to serve the needs of their staff, to support them to be personally successful and contribute to the organization's success. Asking your employees open-ended questions is the best way to understand their needs.
Asking 'What would you like to talk about today?' or 'How can I help you be successful this week?' opens the door for your team members to share their bottlenecks. Open-ended questions, such as those that start with the '5 Ws' or 'How' allow your direct report to set the agenda for the discussion. When you know what is limiting their performance, you can help close their gaps in knowledge, skills, or tools so they can be more productive.
What open-ended questions could you ask your team members in your next one-on-one meetings?
The past five years have brought many big changes. From world events to personal challenges, life feels less predictable than ever. This constant uncertainty affects our emotions and mental health both at home and at work. When everything feels unstable, it's normal to feel confused and frustrated. Sometimes we react in ways that don't help. Anxiety happens when we worry about what might go wrong in the future. Our minds race with "what if" thoughts, affecting us both physically and mentally. The good news is we can build emotional resilience to handle these tough times better. Here's how to start: Focus on what you can control: When something specific is making you worry, figure out what steps you can take to reduce negative outcomes. If you're stressed about being late to a meeting, set a reminder on your phone to leave with enough time to arrive 15 minutes early. If you're concerned about finishing a work project on time, schedule dedicated time on your calendar to work on it. If you realize you can't finish it alone, ask your boss if you can have more time or see if a coworker can help out. Take positive action: Instead of worrying about problems, do something small to make your situation better. Clean your workspace, call someone you care about, or take a short walk outside. Build stronger relationships: Reach out to family, friends, or coworkers. Have lunch together, share your worries with someone you trust, or simply check in on others. These connections help us feel less alone during hard times. When we work together and support each other, we can step back from fear and worry about situations we can't control. Remember, we can't control everything that happens, but we can control how we respond.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in schedules, screens, and endless to-do lists. But what people really crave is something deeper—true human connection. Dr. Paul White, who studies workplace relationships, reminds us that appreciation and connection are not just “nice to have”—they are essential for our well-being. And researcher Brené Brown shows that real connection comes from vulnerability, where people feel safe, seen and valued. Without this kind of connection, many struggle with loneliness, anxiety, or even depression. On the other hand, when we feel truly connected, we’re happier, more engaged, more resilient, and more productive. So how can we build better connections? Start small. Proactively reach out for a live conversation instead of only sending a quick text or email. Take time to connect with peers at work or in your community. Ask others to share something personal about themselves, and share something personal about your life. These simple actions can create moments of trust and belonging. And in a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, these moments are not just valuable—they are vital. Join Us! We invite you to explore this topic further at our upcoming virtual event: Managing Performance in Today’s Workforce. Learn practical strategies to strengthen workplace connection and performance. View event details here.