The power of a good question

Some key questions for leaders to ask themselves about their leadership By Jill Garrett

It is over a decade ago since I met the founder of the Positive Psychology Movement, Dr Donald O Clifton. I will never forget the question he asked me about three sentences into our conversation - here it is - "So tell me Jill, what are you paid to do?"  Many people had asked me, "What do you do?" but "What are you paid to do?" is a different league of question!

Since that first meeting with Don Clifton I have come to recognise the value in asking powerful questions as a means of making important discoveries.   In my consultancy work with leaders I have built up a whole series of searching questions that I use.  It is my experience that in addressing these sort of questions leaders do become more effective.  These questions force individuals to be reflective and really delve into what leadership means to them and the effect this has on their organisation.

To begin, I have started to pose some questions for leaders to ask themselves about their own leadership. My advice is that you should set aside an hour and a half either to think or talk your answers through. In subsequent editions of the Catalyst, I will present  some more questions that leaders should consider, looking at different aspects of their role.

Happy answering!!!

Questions for leaders to ask about their leadership

1. What does leadership mean to you?
   
2. What is your vision?
   
3. Why do you want to be a leader?
   
4. As you think about the leader you most admire - what are the things that
   cause you to nominate that person?
   
5. What do you want to be remembered for?
   
6. What are the things that excite you most about leadership?
   
7. What are the key principles on which your leadership is built?
   
8. What are the key qualities that you look for in those you recruit to leadership?
   
9. What have been your greatest achievements as a leader?
   
10. What are the things that you will be remembered for?
    
11. Where, when and how do you do your best thinking?
    
12. What are your greatest strengths as a leader? 
    
13. What strengths do you look for in others to compliment your leadership?
    
14. What 3 things should every leader be expected to do?
    
15. What are the aspects of leadership that you find most frustrating/tiring?
    
16. Why do you think you were appointed to you current leadership role?
    
17. What are the core values and beliefs that you will never change?
    
18. If you had a life Board of Directors who are the people who would be on it and why?
    
19. What were the 3 most significant things you did as leader and why were these things so important?
    
20. How do you energize the people on your team?

Jill Garrett, a Director of Caret, is an international speaker on leadership issues and has many years experience of consulting to leaders and senior managers globally across many business sectors.  She has a passion for enabling others to recognise and realise more of their potential.

For any enquiry please send us an email at enquires@caret.co.uk

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