Using Questions for Career Development

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN

I was recently interviewed by a young nurse manager as part of a leadership class that she was taking. Her questions were excellent and reminded me of the importance of using questions for career development. About 15 years ago, I moved after many years from working as a leader in the practice setting to teaching in academia. An expectation in my new role was that I would both research and write. I initially struggled with the writing and worried if my work would ever be published. At an American Organization of Nurse Executives meeting, I went up to the late Suzanne Smith who was then the editor of the Journal of Nursing Administration. I asked for a few minutes of her time and had five questions to ask about advice she would give to a beginning author. It was the most valuable 30 minutes of career guidance that I have ever received.

I have found that the most effective leaders learn to ask many questions of others. This practice can lead to new insights. They also quickly learn 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. It also works well if you are trying to break the ice with someone you meet at conference for the first time. 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.