Hello I'm Brian Cooke.

This is Note # 16 on Career Success in Business.

Great leaders ask good questions.

Influenced by fundamentals of “design thinking,” here are some questions to help breakthrough to new levels of business performance.

What’s your why? Managers tend to focus on what needs to be done while leaders emphasize why something is worth doing. When we understand why something is worth doing, we are more motivated to do it.

What if? Leaders who explore possibilities are more likely to achieve breakthroughs than managers who dwell on obstacles and limitations. Considering “what if” is a more powerful and creative mindset than dwelling on reasons “we can’t” do something.

What wows? Although incremental improvement is good, leaders earn big rewards when they design and deliver services that exceed customers’ expectations. What wows you? What could you do to wow others?

How might we? Intentions without action are unkept promises. Once we choose a destination, we must begin charting the course we will sail. What options are you considering for action? How will you proceed to achieve your goal?

What would have to be true for us to? Different market conditions reward different strategies. Does your strategy favor your skills, resources, and capabilities? Are you ready to adjust or pivot if the market turns unfavorable for the strategy you have chosen?

For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.

Click here to read these lessons on Amazon/Kindle.