Leadership Information

8 Questions to Ask if You Want to be a Better Leader


Those that have successfully made the transition from manager to leader have found the importance of continuously asking questions. Constantly receiving feedback from front line workers enables aleader to understand what is going right and where improvement is needed. At the same time, the leader is showing interest in the front line workers through these questions. However asking questions can become harmful if two key steps do not follow them.

First, it is important that the leader acts on what was learned from the questions. If a front line employee offers information about a problem they expect to have the issue addressed. Effective leaders have been able to eliminate unnecessary paperwork, streamline operations, improve customer responsiveness, and many other positive results. The employees that make these suggestions translate these changes as an indicator of their value to the organization.

Second, the employee needs to be provided with recognition once the leader has implemented a solution to the employee's suggestion or complaint. Although traditional leaders believe this has to be monetary, the reality is that employees are very happy with verbal recognition. In the event a solution was not possible, the employee should still be acknowledged and provided with details about why the policy or procedure change, or the suggestion could not be enacted.

Here are some sample questions to ask in your daily contact with your employees. Notice the questions take a positive aspect to focus the employees on what is going right. An effective leader practicing active listening skills will listen to the hidden message and then probe for underlying frustrations from a positive point of view.

1. How are we providing the support you need to accomplish your work?

2. What are you finding most rewarding about your position?

3. What is your favorite part of your work?

4. Do you have any ideas to improve processes or procedures?

5. What customer interaction was most pleasurable today?

6. What is the most productive use of your time?

7. Do you have any ideas of how our organization might save money or time?

9. What is the silliest thing we have asked you to do?

Remember: Ask the questions, listen to the answers, enact solutions where possible, and value the employee with verbal acknowledgement of results.

This is just one of the best practices of today's most effective leaders. Max Impact offers a seminar for leadership team reviewing this and other great ideas and tips with an emphasis on things participants can put into immediate action. For more information call 248-802-6138 or send an email to info@getmaximpact.com.

Rick Weaver is an accomplished business executive with a wealth of experience in retail, market analysis, supply chain enhancement, project management, team building, and process improvement. Building on a strong retail background, Rick moved to full supply-chain involvement, working with hundreds of companies to improve sales, processes, and bottom-line results.

As Rick's interaction in varied industries expanded, he became troubled as he increasingly noticed that people and companies had untapped or unfocused talent.

Coupled with Rick's passion for training and development, popular style of interactive workshops and seminars, and strong desire for continuous improvement, he founded Max Impact Corporation to be singularly focused on helping individuals and organizations achieve high performance.

Rick is a popular speaker at seminars, workshops, and conferences. He has spoken in 43 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. He is available to speak at groups of all sizes.

  


MORE RESOURCES:

Markel Corporation Announces Two Leadership Positions for Markel ...
MarketWatch - 8 hours ago
He has also held a variety of leadership positions within Markel including assistant vice president, marketing services; vice president, marketing services; ...


Stratix Expands Leadership Team With the Addition of Industry ...
MarketWatch - 14 hours ago
... a leading mobile enterprise solutions integrator is pleased to announce the addition of Jim Collins to its executive leadership team. ...
Stratix Expands Leadership Team With the Addition of Industry ... International Business Times
all 18 news articles


BBC News

A new dawn of American leadership has arrived, says Obama
Independent, UK - 5 hours ago
By Leonard Doyle in Washington Barack Obama called for a "a new dawn of American leadership" yesterday as he formally introduced his once bitter rival for ...
Video: Obama Picks Gates, Clinton for Foreign Policy AssociatedPress
National Security Team Reinforces Obama's Commitment to Elevating ... MarketWatch
Success of Clinton Choice Hinges on Rapport Washington Post
Los Angeles Times - U.S. News & World Report
all 3,650 news articles


Leadership Gap in China
Washington Post, United States - Nov 30, 2008
In the midst of a global financial crisis, the world has come to China's doorstep seeking leadership. Yet China's leaders have largely kept the door shut, ...


How local lawmakers did in KS legislative leadership races...
Kansas City Star, MO - 8 hours ago
He's the only new addition to the list of local lawmakers in leadership positions. Rep. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican, retained his position as the House ...


Commentary: Leadership key to preventing genocide
CNN - 6 hours ago
By Madeleine K. Albright and William S. Cohen Editor's note: Madeleine K. Albright is former US secretary of state. William S. Cohen is former US secretary ...


Skelos may be part of Senate leadership talks for weeks
Newsday, NY - 21 hours ago
So far, Minority Leader Malcolm Smith falls three Democratic votes short of the 32 needed to win the majority leadership. But aides and allies of Smith ...


The Sacramento Bee's Capital Alert

Steinberg names leadership team
Bizjournals.com, NC - 7 hours ago
New state Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg from Sacramento announced his leadership team for the 2009-2010 legislative session Monday. Sen. ...
Video: Steinberg Takes Top Senate Post kcratv
Senate Democrats announce new leadership team PolitickerCA
Steinberg names leadership team Sacramento Bee
News10.net
all 9 news articles


BBC News

Turmoil in Indian leadership after attacks
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 16 hours ago
City in mourning … Mumbai residents gather near the Oberoi Hotel. More than 170 people were killed in last week's terrorist strike. ...
Video: Bodies Removed From Mumbai Hotel AssociatedPress
Mumbai carnage Pakistan Observer
Tensions mount between India and Pakistan International Herald Tribune
The News International - Bloomberg
all 2,155 news articles


The Leadership Promise
Huffington Post, NY - 8 hours ago
Welcome to the first in a three part installment on leadership challenges Barack Obama will face in guiding our country through these difficult times. ...

leadership - Google News

Article List | Index | Site Map
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved.