11 Awesome Questions to Ask Your Team Members

Today, I want to share some excellent questions that you can ask your teammates. These questions will help you get to know them better and build stronger relationships within your team. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. What is your favorite part of your job? This question will give you insight into what motivates and excites your team members. By understanding their passions and interests, you can create a more engaging work environment.

2. What is something you’ve learned recently that you’re proud of? This question encourages your team members to reflect on their achievements and promotes a growth mindset. It also allows you to celebrate their accomplishments with them.

3. Is there anything I can do to support you better? Showing your team that you are there to support them is crucial. By asking this question, you open the door for them to express their needs and concerns, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.

4. What goals do you have for your career? Understanding your team members’ long-term aspirations enables you to align their goals with the team’s objectives. It also shows that you value their professional development.

5. What is one thing I can do to improve as a leader? Asking for feedback is a powerful way to show your team members that you are open to growth and are committed to being the best leader you can be. It also allows you to address any areas for improvement that may be affecting the team dynamics.

6. What is the biggest challenge you’re currently facing? This question allows your team members to share any obstacles they are encountering. By acknowledging their challenges, you can provide the necessary support and guidance to help them overcome them.

7. How do you like to receive recognition for your hard work? Recognizing and appreciating your team members’ efforts is essential for morale and motivation. By knowing their preferred form of recognition, you can ensure that your appreciation resonates with them.

8. What is your favorite team-building activity? Building camaraderie within your team is crucial for collaboration and a positive work environment. By asking this question, you can plan activities that your team will enjoy and look forward to.

9. What suggestions do you have for improving our team meetings? Team meetings are an opportunity for collaboration and information sharing. By asking for suggestions, you can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of your meetings, making them more valuable for everyone involved.

10. How can we better celebrate successes as a team? Celebrating achievements as a team fosters a sense of unity and pride. By asking this question, you can gather ideas on how to make your celebrations more meaningful and inclusive.

11. What is one thing you would change about our team culture? Team culture plays a significant role in overall satisfaction and productivity. By listening to your team members’ thoughts on this matter, you can address any areas for improvement and strive for a more positive and inclusive environment.

So there you have it! These questions are designed to spark valuable discussions with your team members and deepen your understanding of their needs and aspirations. Give them a try, and watch your team thrive!

Being a founder or CEO is a busy job, and sometimes it’s hard to find time to talk to your employees as much as you’d like. But how can you make sure they’re happy and doing their best work?

To get some simple and direct ways to find out this important information, I asked 11 founders the following question:

I don’t check in with my employees often, but I want to. What’s one question I can ask them directly?

Here’s what members of the YEC community had to say:

1. How can I help you?

When you have a great team, your role is really about supporting them. When I touch base with them, I always try to find ways to help them work faster and achieve better outcomes. It can be challenging to know what might be hindering their performance if I don’t have daily interactions with them.

2. How are you doing?

Everyone has a life beyond work, and what’s happening in their personal lives can significantly affect their work. Taking a step back and asking this simple question allows me to understand if my colleagues are facing any difficulties or if there’s any way I can assist them. It also shows that I genuinely care about them as individuals, not just as employees.

3. What exciting project are you currently working on?

I love this question because it feels casual, but it can actually tell you a whole lot. If your employee just shrugs in response, you might have an issue on your hands. In my experience, having passion (even if it’s a bit misguided) is the top sign of a great employee. When you get someone to open up about what excites them, you not only gain insight into their strengths, but also learn how to manage them effectively. ~ Brian Honigman, BrianHonigman.com

4. What’s something you’re currently finding challenging?

If you want your employees to be honest with you (and if you’re open to hearing their thoughts), then each and every employee should feel comfortable admitting that they’re facing some challenges. It’s important for you to uncover those challenges. Many times, leaders and managers are afraid to address issues that may not be working. However, asking the employee directly and working together to find a solution will give your employee a sense of empowerment.

5. Can you give me more details about this project?

Ask your employee a specific question about the project they’re currently working on. This will show that you’re interested in the work they do for the company and that you’re paying attention to the emails you receive.

6. What has been motivating you lately?

7. Do You Have Everything You Need to Get the Job Done?

When it comes to your team, whether they work in the office or remotely, it’s important to provide them with the necessary resources, skills, and equipment to successfully complete their tasks. If any of these elements are missing, it can negatively impact both their daily work and long-term goals. It’s crucial to ensure that your employees have everything they need and feel comfortable coming to you for assistance when needed. Remember, their success is your success too.

8. Does Your Work Fuel Your Passion?

I gotta know, what’s your superhero persona? ‘Cause let me tell you, if we don’t tap into your passion, we’re not gonna get the best out of you. Oh, and before I forget, I’d really love to hear about your three goals for the week. It’s kinda unexpected, I know, but it’s these little surprises that lead to the most interesting conversations. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in straight-to-the-point questions, but there’s something about connecting on a deeper level that’s way more powerful. ~ Mina Chang, Linking the World

9. So, what’s on your agenda for the week? What are your top three goals?

When I ask my team to tell me their top three goals for the week, it helps them stay focused on the bigger picture. It pushes them to do more than just their daily tasks and encourages them to take responsibility for their work. If a goal keeps appearing on their list for two weeks in a row, they have to question its importance and figure out how to make it happen. And if there’s something on their list that I can help with, I make sure to keep it on my radar and offer my support throughout the week. – Shradha Agarwal, ContextMedia

10. How can we improve?

While I may have a good understanding of the company as a whole, I believe that employees can be a valuable resource for finding ways to improve the smaller details. Whether it’s finding ways to make our clients happier or making our processes more efficient, I believe in treating my employees like experts and getting their input. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the ideas they come up with. – Adam Stillman, SparkReel

11. What’s bothering you right now?