Yesterday, I wrote about A Leaders Secret Weapon - LISTENING. I wrote that if a leader isn't listening, a leader isn't leading. So with that in mind, today I wanted to share with you 5 questions you can ask of the people on your team to start conversations that will equip you to lead more effectively.

1. What do you love most about your role?

This is the "passion" question. Asking this question and intently listening to the answer will give you insight into the area of work that your team member is most passionate about. Knowing the answer to this question will direct you to the type of work your team member is most satisfied by. Great leaders are aware of the work their team members love most.

2. What do you dislike most about your role?

This is the "frustration" question. Asking this question and intently listening to the answer will give you insight into the area of work that your team member is most frustrated with. Knowing the answer to this question will direct you to the type of work your team member is most dissatisfied by. Great leaders are aware of the work their team members like least.

3. What challenge do you want to take on next?

This is the "growth" question. Asking this question and intently listening to the answer will give you insight into the area of work that your team member wants to engage in next. Knowing the answer to this question will direct you to the type of work you need to give to your team member next. Great leaders are aware of the areas in which their team members want to grow.

4. What can I do to help you succeed?

This is the "servant" question. Asking this question and intently listening to the answer will give you insight into how you can serve your team members best. Knowing the answer to this question will direct you to the things you can do to help your team member succeed in their role. Great leaders are aware of how they can best help their team members win.

5. What can I do to lead you more effectively?

This is the "humility" question. Asking this question and intently listening to the answer will give you insight into how you can become a better leader. Knowing the answer to this question will direct you to the habits, practices, and processes you can put into place to lead better. Great leaders are aware that the best place for leadership feedback is from the people I actually lead!

More important than asking these questions is listening to the answers and even asking follow-up questions so that you can understand your team members' answers better.

Ask questions. Listen carefully. Ask questions. Listen carefully. Ask questions. Listen carefully. It may the aspect of your leadership that benefits you and those you lead most!

What are other great questions great leaders ask of those they lead? Please leave your comments below, I'd really like to know!