Leadership Insights: Get to Know Your Employees Better Through Questions

I don't have to tell you how important it is to meet with employees regularly to check in, see how they are doing, provide meaningful feedback, identify any training needs, and just get to know them better. Or do I?

According to research highlighted in the Harvard Business Review, 6 out of 10 employees want more daily or weekly check-ins with their supervisor. This is important information, especially for newer employees. The best way to keep them engaged is to check in early and often.

In addition to checking in, getting to know employees on a more personal level is extremely important. It helps them feel seen, heard, and important to the company. Asking 1-2 fun questions during a check-in not only lightens the mood but also helps both individuals begin to build a bond. Here are 5 questions that you can ask to get to know your employees better:

Question 1: If you could develop a new skill or expertise, what would it be and why?

What you learn: This is a great way to identify if an individual desires to do more in the organization or if they need more training on something they should already know how to do.

Question 2: What's your most-used productivity hack?

What you learn: Not only can you learn something to help your own productivity, but this gives insight into how an individual gets their work accomplished. You might uncover something that they could teach other staff members. You also might identify dangerous shortcuts that they are taking. You can easily redirect in that situation without it being punitive.

Question 3: What is your idea of the perfect day?

What you learn: This question could go one of two ways. They might tell you what their perfect day at work or home is. Either way, you learn about what is ideal for them and what motivates them. For example, if they tell you their perfect day is to spend it with their family, you know that work/life balance is extremely important to them, and they need opportunities for balance.

Question 4: Who was your favorite resident/client of all time? Why?

What you learn: Why they work in aging, what type of residents they naturally connect with, and what level of care they feel most comfortable providing. In addition, you learn more about the beautiful relationship that can occur between an older person and caregiver. There are many gems to be found in this question. Stay curious and take it all in.

Question 5: Would you ever want to run for public office? Why or why not?

What you learn: The obvious answer is if they have any desire to run for office. The more complex answer is that you learn how important it is for them to be seen and recognized by other people. Is this person shy or extremely confident? Would they want to have a more prominent role in the organization? What do they need to get there?

You can learn a lot about a person if you stay curious and approach all the questions without judgment. There are no right or wrong answers in those scenarios. You will learn about the individual, you will begin to bond with the individual, and you will identify how to be a better supervisor/leader for them.

Never underestimate the power of a question!