6 Questions for Talking with Employees

Guest Post by Mary Kelly

Some supervisors, even as experienced managers, have trouble talking with their employees, especially during employee performance appraisal time.

To make these conversations, use questions to elicit information and encourage dialogue.

1. What projects are your favorites?
2. What aspects of this work do you like best?
3. What part of this task do you find the easiest to do?
4. What part of this is challenging for you?
5. Are there resources you need to get this finished?
6. Is there part of this project we need to take off your plate to make this deadline?

Then listen for the answers. Listen for ways to improve work alignment, resource allocation, and time-management.

Mary C. Kelly, PhD is CEO of Productive Leaders, a firm dedicated to leadership and profit development. Mary authored several award-winning books including Master Your World, 360 Degrees of Leadership, 15 Ways to Grow Your Business in Every Economy, and Money Smart: How Not to Buy Cat Food When You Don’t Have a Cat.

Please email Mary Kelly at mary@productiveleaders.com, and sign up for her free monthly newsletter at ProductiveLeaders.com

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