De Pree Questions for Leaders, Part II

Will I reach my potential by working with you?

This is one of the questions that Max De Pree suggests leaders should expect.  In a previous post, De Pree list of questions was provided.  De Pree is the former CEO of Herman Miller Furniture and writes on leadership and business management.

Often, people are hesitant about discussing such questions with their managers and leaders.  Good leaders should ask and encourage such questions.  You many want to start the conversation with a related question such as "how do you see your role in the organization evolving?"  This will start them talking about themselves before going into the more difficult topic of you as their leader.

What is good?  What is bad?

Move the conversation by discussing what you as a leader had done to move them towards their potential.   Then discuss how you are holding them back. If the conversation needs more encouragement and direction, consider these three areas:  freedom, challenges, support.

You may be tempted to come out of this conversation with a quick list of action items.  The ideal goal of this conversation is to provide broad guidance for future decisions and mentoring.   

Sometimes, the leader's truthful answer to this question is no, you will not reach your potential with me.  There may be a mismatch in chemistry between the person and the leader.  There may be a mismatch in vision or approach.  The sooner this is addressed, the better.  Alternate plans can be pursued.