Ask Meaningful Questions to Help Employees Discover Their Passions

Employees who are enthusiastic about their work are more diligent and productive. But not everyone knows which aspects of their job they’re most excited about. As a manager, it’s your responsibility to push them to find out. Help employees reflect on their work by asking them thoughtful questions. For example, before the person tackles a new project, you might ask, “What are ways you hope to develop, learn, or grow with this experience?” After key milestones you can inquire, “What was especially rewarding, meaningful, or inspiring about that initiative?” And during performance reviews or career development conversations, you can ask, “What have you really enjoyed working on this year? What would you like to do more of?” Then help the person make connections between their answers so that they can better understand what exactly they love about their work.

Adapted From “How to Help Someone Discover Work That Excites Them,” by Amy Jen Su