Questions Leaders Should Ask Their Teams

“What am I missing?” a CEO asked me following an executive team meeting. His team felt tired, disconnected, and out of sync with his vision. “They’ve lost trust—in you, each other, and themselves,” I replied. “They’re drifting through their days like disillusioned, snarky zombies, stuck in a workplace nightmare they can’t shake. It’s sad to see them struggling and giving up on being their best selves because, honestly, what’s the point?” Despite the CEO’s efforts, his team no longer fully believed in him or the organization’s future. The joy and trust they once felt working with each other had crumbled, and constant demands for solutions only pushed them further away from him and each other. I’ve seen this too often—strained leaders, relentless pressures, and attempt at quick fixes that unravel everything teams have worked hard to build. Turning it around? Tough, but possible. Optimism isn’t about ignoring challenges—it’s about having the courage to focus on what could go right and creating the conditions to make it happen. Creating moments for reflection, understanding, and connection won’t undo months or years of disappointment, but it’s a start. Change is always possible when leaders dig deep, reflect, and address the real issues with their teams. To rebuild trust and energize his team, I advised this CEO to start with himself: - How can I clarify my vision for the team? - How do I show up when things get tough—do I blame and distance or help the team connect and make it to the other side? - Am I transparent about my intentions? - What past experiences might be influencing my current approach? - Are there barriers—structural, behavioral, or procedural—holding the team back? Then, engage the team with questions we often avoid: - Do you believe in our future? - What do you need from me, and each other, that you’re not getting? - What don’t you understand, agree with, or hesitate to ask? - How can we address personal reservations and hidden tensions without resorting to unhelpful criticism? - What are the biggest untapped opportunities for our team and organization? The goal isn’t to force connections or quick fixes but to create environments where trust, transparency, and collaboration can grow naturally. Without the will and skill to be open, true teamwork and high performance will remain out of reach. Focus on trust, and give yourself and your team the chance to become a productive, joyful, and resilient powerhouse. What’s one question you’re ready to ask yourself and your team today to rebuild trust and boost collaboration? #trust #leadership #management #joy #collaboration #diversityequityandinclusion

People often ask me for quick ways to build trust on a team. I have a dozen solid go-to moves, but one stands out because it’s dead simple and nearly always works. You’ve probably heard of the “connection before content” idea—starting meetings with a personal check-in to warm up the room. But let’s be honest: questions like “What’s your favorite color?” or “What five things would you bring on a deserted island?” don’t build trust. They just waste time. If you want a real trust-builder, here’s the question I use: “𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄?” That’s it. One question. And here’s why it works: 𝟭. It creates vulnerability without forcing it. You can’t answer this question without being a little real. And when someone’s real with you, it’s hard not to trust them more. You see the human behind the role. 𝟮. It unlocks practical support. Once I hear your challenge, I can picture how to help. I feel drawn to back you up. That’s the foundation of real partnership at work. 𝟯. It increases mutual understanding. Sometimes we feel disconnected from teammates because we don’t know what they actually do all day. When someone shares a challenge, it opens a window into their work and the complexity they’re navigating. If you’re short on time, allergic to fluff, and want something that actually bonds your team—this is your move. Ten minutes, and you’ll feel the shift."

15 Questions Thoughtful Leaders Ask to Build Trust I once believed trust was built by delivering big wins. But real trust starts with genuine curiosity and listening. Here are 15 questions that thoughtful leaders use to spark deeper connection and loyalty: 1️⃣ How are you, really? ↳ Starts with genuine care about the person. 2️⃣ What’s one small win you’re proud of this week? ↳ Brings positivity and acknowledges progress. 3️⃣ Is there anything we haven’t addressed that concerns you? ↳ Invites hidden thoughts or worries to surface. 4️⃣ What do you need from me right now? ↳ Shows willingness to support in a concrete way. 5️⃣ Where do you feel stuck? ↳ Identifies obstacles and demonstrates empathy. 6️⃣ What have you already tried? ↳ Builds on existing efforts and prevents rehashing the same solutions. 7️⃣ How can we make this process simpler? ↳ Prompts a collaborative search for more efficient approaches. 8️⃣ Who else’s perspective should we consider? ↳ Expands thinking and values diverse input. 9️⃣ Can you tell me more about how you arrived at that idea? ↳ Shows genuine interest in their thought process. 🔟 Which part of your work brings you the most energy? ↳ Helps align tasks with strengths and passion. 1️⃣1️⃣ What would success look like for you personally? ↳ Personalizes goals and respects individual definitions of success. 1️⃣2️⃣ How would you like to be recognized for your efforts? ↳ Tailors rewards to individual preferences. 1️⃣3️⃣ Who on the team deserves a shoutout this week? ↳ Fosters a culture of mutual appreciation. 1️⃣4️⃣ What’s one thing you’d change if you could? ↳ Encourages reflection on improvements or new opportunities. 1️⃣5️⃣ What’s your biggest takeaway from our conversation? ↳ Reinforces clarity, alignment, and next steps. Trust is built one genuine question at a time—when people see you care enough to truly listen. Which question will you start with today? Share below ♻️ Repost to help other leaders build genuine connections 🔔 Follow Dr. Chris Mullen for more insights on leadership and team-building