Have you ever had an industry conference encounter with a leader you really admired only to completely blank them out?
Maybe you felt a little starstruck. Perhaps you had a list of excellent questions you could have asked them, but you just blurted out the first one that came to mind.
I can definitely relate to this situation having experienced both sides of it in my professional career.
Few people can think of the perfect question at the last second. All you have to do to change things up the next time is prepare a few excellent questions in advance.
20 Questions to Ask Other Leaders
How do you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
The most admired executives are adept at maintaining an edge in their fields. They continue to develop their abilities, meet new people, strengthen their bonds, and seize worthwhile opportunities. Some executives read books to keep up with these skills; others train staff and come up with new solutions to problems.
When you inquire about other people’s leadership practices, you can expose yourself to various approaches to your position even if you already have a process for keeping your skills up to date.
What one thing makes you most proud?
This response might show you a side of yourself you were unaware of. Although many people respect leaders for their professional accomplishments, they do not necessarily view these achievements as the pinnacle of self-actualization. They might be most proud of their spouse, family, speaking a foreign language, or having artistic talent.
These types of inquiries often help people gain perspective on their lives by highlighting the non-business-related priorities. They can, at the very least, balance how you perceive your time spent at and away from work.
What are the most important attributes of successful leaders today?
Some people are natural leaders. They have the ability to unite people around their ideas and direct them toward a common objective. If you lack this innate quality, you can still excel as a leader by observing the behaviors of those who do in your industry.
This query can highlight the effectiveness of a leader’s communication abilities, empathy, vision, and other desirable traits. Additionally, it can demonstrate the ideal combinations of qualities for improving your leadership style and providing excellent direction for your group or organization.
Michael told me before our meeting started that he is taking a break. He wants to become a better leader, and one of his sabbatical projects is to interview leaders from different fields. I felt privileged that he thought I was someone worth speaking with.
That means asking questions of other leaders is one of the best ways to develop as a leader.
If you’re like me, you probably learn how to become a better leader by reading a lot of books, listening to podcasts, and going to a lot of conferences. Those are excellent growth strategies, but there’s one missing.
People with a growth mindset believe they can improve themselves through their own efforts and strategies, as well as input from others, according to Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck.
Some time ago, Michael Smith called and asked if he could interview me. At the time, Michael was on the staff of ClearView Baptist Church in Franklin, Tennessee. We follow each other on Twitter, but we have only met one time previously. He said that he wanted to interview me on the topic of leadership. I happily agreed.
Questions to ask leaders to advance your career
A prepared list of questions will help to ensure a productive meeting with your executives. Have these inquiries prepared, whether you memorize them or save them to your phone, so you can make the most of your first face-to-face meeting with one of your leaders. It not only makes you seem more prepared, but it also shows that you are dedicated to your work and constantly looking for ways to get better. Here are 15 essential inquiries to ask respected leaders to get you started:
Be Prepared- Ask Senior Leaders
It’s important to be ready when you talk about your potential for advancement at the company. This entails conducting research and determining your goals. You can have an effective discussion about your career development with your boss or supervisor if you are prepared.
Additionally, it’s critical to remember that your boss might not be able to grant all of your requests. They might be constrained by budgetary constraints or other company priorities. However, if you are organized and demonstrate to them that you are committed to advancing your career, they might be more open to working with you.
Finally, keep in mind that you are ultimately responsible for your career development. It might be time to look for alternative employment if you are dissatisfied with your current position at the company.
FAQ
What are the best questions to ask leaders?
- Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship? .
- What is one decision you wish you didn’t make? …
- How do you keep your team motivated in the face of disagreements and challenges?
- What are the most important attributes of successful leaders today?
What are good questions to ask senior leaders?
- What are the biggest challenges facing our industry?
- How did you get where you are today?
- What do you think will be the next big thing in our industry?
- What are the biggest challenges to career advancement in our sector?
- What are some tips for success in our field?
What is a good question to ask a leadership panel?
Specific Leadership Panel Questions How do you balance planning for the future with being present for your employees? How do you keep your team on track with the mission, vision, and values of the organization? How do you inspire others while maintaining your own sense of purpose regarding the organization’s mission?
How do I ask a career development question?
- What are opportunities for professional growth within the company?
- How would you describe the work environment?
- What do you enjoy most about working for this organization?
- What kind of career would someone in this position typically take?
