When Managers Help by Asking Questions
Cathie Leimbach • July 29, 2020
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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?
Based on research by Boris Groysberg, Harvard Business School
Keeping good employees isn't about luck – it's about creating a place where people genuinely want to work. When companies focus on what really matters to their staff, they see amazing results in loyalty and performance. Talk Openly and Build Trust The best workplaces encourage honest conversations. Employees feel safe sharing ideas and asking questions without worry. When managers are clear about company goals and changes, it creates trust. People stay when they feel their voices matter. Help People Grow Nobody wants to be stuck in the same job forever. Smart companies invest in training and show clear paths for advancement. When workers see chances to learn new skills and move up, they choose to grow with the company instead of leaving for something better. Respect Life Outside Work Great employers know their people have families and interests beyond the office. They offer flexible hours and reasonable workloads. When companies care about their employees' well-being, those employees care more about their work. These simple changes create a win-win situation where everyone benefits. For even more insights on building a workplace people love, check out Employees Never Quit . What could your workplace do differently to keep great people around?