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20 questions to ask your manager

Asking simple but powerful questions is often the best way to build and maintain a great relationship with your manager. Here are twenty, in six themes.

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1Understanding your role

  • What do you expect from me in this position?
  • What performance goals should I be setting?
  • How can I help you achieve your goals? What wins do you need?

2Communicating with your manager

  • How would you prefer to receive information from me?
  • If I need help with something, what’s the best way to get your input or support?
  • Can we set up weekly one-on-one meetings?

3Increasing your performance

  • What did you think of project ABC? What could I have done differently?
  • How do you think issue XYZ went? Could we have resolved it better?
  • What’s one thing I should stop doing? And start doing?
  • How can you help me work toward my personal goals and objectives?

4Collaborating with your team

  • What’s one thing I can do to help improve the team’s performance?
  • How can we work better as a team? What’s the ideal workflow for you?
  • What’s the best way for me to offer feedback or ideas?

5Developing yourself

  • What would you change in my position, and why?
  • What advice would you give me at this point in my career?
  • What would it take for you to feel I’m ready to be promoted or take on a new role?
  • What kind of skills and training would you recommend for me?

6Knowing your manager better

  • How are you doing at the moment?
  • What do you hope to accomplish in your current role?
  • What are your personal career goals?

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