Ten Questions to Ask Other Nurse Leaders

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN

Informal networking with other nurse leaders is a great opportunity to learn and grow. 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?

Michael Hyatt, a nationally known leadership expert, urges us to stop worrying about telling our story and spend more time trying to learn from others. 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

Hyatt, M. (August 2014 Podcast) Twenty Questions to Ask Other Leaders.