Ten Questions Leaders Should Ask Every Day

Questions are one of the most powerful tools we have at our hands as leaders. They can help us engage others, gather information, set the stage for coaching and feedback, and allow us the opportunity to listen rather than talk. The power of questions is undeniable.
I am a big fan of collecting questions, and in a workshop this week I talked with people about that very point. One of the participants asked if I would share some of my favorites questions (which I will share with that group), but the exchange got me thinking about a slightly different question. What are the questions leaders should ask themselves?
After all, the questions you ask yourself can determine your future. And if you ask them, as a leader who wants a bright and successful future, what questions will help you get there?
Here are ten of those important questions. Ask them (and also answer them) every day and I guarantee you will become a more self-aware, self-confident and successful leader.
Ask these questions at the start of each of your days . . .
• Who will I encourage?
• What change will I advance or support?
• What decision will I make?
• What is my most important task?
• How will I build trust?
• What questions will I ask (of others)?
• What Customer will I talk to?
• How will I contribute to achieving a goal?
• How will I make a difference for my team or organization?
• What will I learn?
If you ask those ten questions at the start of each of your days, and write down your answers, you will be more intentional, more focused and more successful during that day. You will have less stress and more purpose – which not only benefits you personally, but it also provides a great example for those you lead.
If you want a power-boost, ask these ten questions at the end of each of your days . . .
• Who did I encourage?
• What change did I advance or support?
• What decision did I make?
• Did I complete my most important task?
• How did I build trust?
• What questions did I ask (of others)?
• What Customer did I talk to?
• How did I contribute to achieving a goal?
• How did I make a difference for my team or organization?
• What did I learn?
The morning questions give you focus and intention, and the evening versions hold you accountable for those intentions.
While asking either the preview questions or the review questions, it will be helpful, but by asking all of them it will make the biggest difference for you and your team. Your total time investment isn’t large and likely can be done with time you already have available (while you are commuting to work, while you are eating your breakfast, etc.)
The questions you ask can change your life. Ask these questions daily and watch the transformation begin.