I am currently reading an interesting new book A Curious Mind by Brian Grazer, a well known movie producer. Grazer attributes much of his success to his intentional development of his own curiosity by having what he calls curiosity conversations. He has developed the habit of asking people questions as a way of learning more about their world. I thought about this recently when I reflected back on one of my former students who was very anxious about a 3 hour car trip that she was scheduled to take with her Chief Nursing Officer to a conference. She worried about her ability to carry on a conversation for such a long length of time. I suggested to her that she use this time wisely to ask questions of this leader who she greatly admired.
The most effective leaders learn to ask many questions of others but also recognize the importance of developing good questions that lead to better answers. If you get into the habit of having some key questions that you like to ask, you can grow significantly by being teachable. They can also be great conversation starters particularly when you feel somewhat intimidated when in the presence of an accomplished leader. The following are ten questions to consider adding to your leadership development toolbox:
Ten Questions to Ask Other Leaders
1. Was there a particular person that has had great impact on your career. How did they impact you?
2. What are the major challenges that you currently face in your nursing leadership role?
3. Where do you get your most creative ideas?
4. Keeping staff engaged in their work can be very challenging – how do you do this?
5. What is the best advice that you have ever received in your professional career?
6. What is the one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
7. What is the one behavior or trait that you have seen derail leadership careers?
8. What do you do to ensure your own leadership growth and development?
9. Is their a key skill that all nurse leaders should develop in today’s environment?
10. What advice do you give to nurses going into a leadership position for the first time?
As it turned out, my student reported back to me that the time flew by and she used the return trip to ask even more questions. The trip turned out to be life changing as this CNO became her mentor and remains so even today. She found as Grazer di that most people really enjoy sharing what they have learned on their own leadership journey. So go out there and be curious. You will be amazed at what you learn.
Read to Lead
Grazer, B. & Fishman, C. (2015). A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life. New York: Simon & Shuster.
© emergingrnleader.com 2015
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