10 Questions New Leaders should ask by Nadeem

Referred Link - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chrismmullen_your-initial-11s-as-a-new-leader-are-gold-activity-7431342003726073856-6pWu 

 The first 1:1s with your team can define your impact.
But most leaders waste them on autopilot small talk.

They ask about weekends.
They stay surface-level.
They talk projects.

Meanwhile...

Trust thins.
Top talent checks out.
Culture fractures in silence.

And the ones who don’t speak up?
They’re the ones most likely to leave.

1:1s are not about talking, they're about unlocking.

Here are 10 questions brave leaders ask
(and red flag answers to watch out for): 👇

1/ "What conversation is everyone avoiding?"
❔ Why: Surfaces hidden tensions fast
🕑 When: After building initial trust
🚩 Red Flag: “Everything’s fine” answers

2/ "What behaviors get rewarded here?"
❔ Reveals real vs. stated values
🕑 After they've shared freely
🚩 Toxic behaviors normalized

3/ "What would you change if you ran this team?"
❔ Reveals strategy and frustrations
🕑 Mid-conversation sweet spot
🚩 Only surface-level suggestions

4/ "Who do you go to when you're stuck?"
❔ Maps informal power networks
🕑 After they've opened up
🚩 Working in isolation

5/ "When do you lose track of time at work?"
❔ Spots passion + energy zones
🕑 Deep in conversation
🚩 “Never” or “Always”

6/ "What skill feels just out of reach right now?"
❔ Identifies development hunger
🕑 As confidence builds
🚩 No growth direction

7/ "What resources are you missing?"
❔ Identifies practical blockers
🕑 Near conversation close
🚩 Hesitation to ask for help

8/ "Where do you want your impact to be in a year?"
❔ Maps personal drive to team goals
🕑 Once comfort is established
🚩 Vague or title-only answers

9/ "What's the best team you've ever been part of?"
❔ Reveals their standards for excellence
🕑 Within the first 5 minutes
🚩 Can’t name specific details

10/ "How can I help you win?"
❔ Creates accountability partnership
🕑 Final moments of your session
🚩 Generic or dismissive response

🧨 The Hard Truth:
Safe conversations feel productive.
But brave ones 𝙖𝙧𝙚 productive.

What you ask in the first 30 days,
shapes what gets shared the next 300.

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