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6 Questions to Determine Successful Leadership, 6 Actions to Achieve Purpose
As a project coach, change manager, and consultant, I’ve always believed that one of the first steps in any leadership role is to ask key questions that gauge the environment we’re creating for others to succeed. If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it’s my responsibility to take action and foster the conditions that empower people to thrive.
Here are the foundational questions:
Do I know what is expected of me at work?
Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my job well?
Do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
In the last 7 days, have I received recognition or praise for good work?
Does someone at work encourage my development?
At work, do my opinions count?
After reading Marshall Goldsmith’s Triggers, I realized how valuable it is to reframe these questions into active, reflective tasks that promote personal engagement, ownership, and accountability. This shift encourages self-reflection and active participation in one’s own success. As a result, these questions now become:
What have I tried today to understand what is expected of me at work?
What have I tried today to ensure I have the materials and equipment I need to do my job right?
What have I tried today to create opportunities to do what I do best?
What have I tried today to seek recognition or praise for doing good work?
What have I tried today to encourage my own development?
What have I tried today to make sure my opinions are heard at work?
What’s truly interesting here is the shift from being someone who, as a coach, consultant, or project manager, changes the environment to one where the individual takes ownership. Instead of merely ensuring the right tools, qualifications, and conditions are available for success, this approach puts the responsibility on the person themselves to support their own growth.
This reflects a core principle of coaching: You already have all the resources you need; it’s up to you to deploy them. Even when that means seeking help, coaching encourages taking active ownership of your development.
