9 Questions to Show You Care


 By: Shana Young

Are you struggling to connect with your employees? Chief Learning Officer for the International Trade Administration, Brian McNamara, says the key is simple - just care more, sincerely and authentically.

One of the easiest ways to show employees you care is to ask questions and listen, really listen. Do not listen to respond, insert your own view or opinion or interject with words of advice. 

Here are nine questions you can start with to connect and care more:

1.    What do you want?  For yourself?  For your career?
2.    What do you enjoy doing the most?
3.    What gives you satisfaction and makes you feel alive and inspired?
4.    What do you enjoy doing the least?
5.    What do you resist or procrastinate doing?
6.    What frustrates you?
7.    What challenges do you face?
8.    What keeps you from being empowered and successful?
9.    How can I help and support you? 

When people lead with the simple act of caring more, they are likely to experience more efforts from those around them in terms of increased engagement and productivity.

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