7 Questions Every Leader Must Communicate To Employees

Engaging and mobilizing employees can feel like an overwhelming challenge. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are many simple strategies to engage and mobilize employees. Most cost almost nothing to implement, can be put into place immediately, and have huge impact.

The benefits of an engaged workforce are numerous. Among them are:

• Committed employees
• Increased productivity
• Lower turnover
• Higher performing workforce

As well, the cost of an unengaged workforce can detrimentally affect your bottom line. Among these disadvantages include:

• Increased turnover and associated costs
• Lower morale
• Decreased loyalty, creativeness, and energy 
• Reduced productivity

This is a topic that goes well beyond one blog post and I will be addressing it more in future blogs. But for now let’s look at some questions to ask.

There are seven simple questions every leader must answer and communicate to employees. Do it often, it matters. Small, informal conversations about performance go a long way – especially when they include teachable moments about different situations and details.

The questions include:

1.      Do you understand what I expect from you?

2.      What are you doing well?

3.      What, if anything, can you be doing better?

4.      What, if anything, do I want you to do better?

5.      (If appropriate): What will happen if you improve (e.g., more responsibility, more time with leadership, more desirable assignments)?

6.      (If appropriate): What will happen if you don’t improve?

7.      How can I help?

While all of these questions are important, and certainly not the only questions to be asking, the last question is especially important. It shows the employee that the leader cares, and is not merely relinquishing responsibility or shifting blame.

The KEY to successfully engaging employees is getting to know each employee – not engaging a “them”. The truth is, engagement is easy. Committing to improve engagement is where it gets hard. Make employee acknowledgement and recognition part of the fabric of your leadership.

For more information about engaging and mobilizing employees, and to take our free self-assessment about how well you are engaging and mobilizing, or to see how The Cobalt Group can help you with this or any other business or leadership challenges you are facing, Contact us.

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