Power Questions: Build Relationships, Win New Business, and Influence Others

180. What are the most critical initiatives for the organization
over the next 12 months?
181. What are your own priorities for the next 12 months?
182. What does your boss expect from you this year?
183. In terms of accomplishing our goals, where are we on track
or ahead of plan and in which areas are we behind?
184. Is there anything I can do to support you as you pursue your
goals?
185. How can I be helpful to you as you make this decision?
186. How can I be helpful to you as you implement this decision?
187. Can you share with me how you and your leadership reached
that decision? What other options did you consider?

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188. What are the major challenges you see yourself facing in the
future?
189. What gets you excited about the future?
190. As you look back over your career, what has characterized
the outstanding performers who have worked for you?
191. From your perspective, what do you think my most
important priorities should be in the short, medium, and long
term?
192. If, at my next performance review, I wanted to exceed your
expectations for me, what would I need to have done between
now and then?
193. What do you think are my three greatest strengths? My
biggest weaknesses or developmental needs?
6. Engage Your Employees
Great leaders ask great questions. They know that if they come up with all
the answers, the chances of having anyone else buy into the solution are
next to zero. But if their employees come up with the answer—if they feel
ownership of it—there is a good chance it will bear fruit.
Telling, commanding, and stating the truth as you see it will not engage or
empower. Answers make you feel like a leader, but questions create real
followers.