How to Unlock Exponential Gains: Six Transformative Questions that Matter

How to Unlock Exponential Gains

Is there a lens through which we can scrutinize the world, identify areas of greatest impact, and subsequently take meaningful action? That's the true power of 80/20. It's not a business rule you observe. It's most powerful when it's an action you take.

While leaders might ask countless questions to improve an organization, with 80/20 insight in mind, we can identify six questions that can make a significant difference. As a result, concentrating on these six questions can yield disproportionately large benefits.

In other words, they are the "20%" that leads to "80%" of improving workplace culture, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

The Six Questions

Whether it's optimizing business processes, making critical hiring decisions, or merely rearranging our daily schedule, the "actionable" nature of 80/20 provides us with a strategic framework that is as universal as it is powerful.

At Forward Thinking Workplaces, we identified six core questions that tackle some of the most pressing and pertinent questions about organizational culture, engagement, leadership, and employee well-being.

These questions help pave the way for a much-needed dialogue between different organizational stakeholders, leading to a more fulfilling and productive work environment for everyone.

Let's explore each of these questions in a bit more detail:

How can we create workplaces where every voice matters, everyone thrives and finds meaning, and change and innovation happen naturally?

This question targets the very core of what makes an organization successful in the modern world. Creating an inclusive workplace involves a mix of open communication channels, flat hierarchies where possible, psychological safety, and providing clear avenues for employee development. It also demands an environment where diversity is embraced, not just in demographics but also in ideas and perspectives.

What does it take to get employees' full attention and best performance?

This question reflects the desire to understand the psychology of productivity and engagement. The key factors might include meaningful work, adequate compensation, a healthy work-life balance, growth opportunities, and camaraderie among team members. In addition, clear communication of organizational goals and individual objectives helps align employee attention and performance with the organization's needs.

What do people really lack and long for at work?

This question gets to the root of job satisfaction and helps to unearth gaps in the current thinking and understanding. Employees might lack various things: a sense of purpose, opportunities for advancement, recognition, or even basic tools and conditions required for their work. They might long for greater autonomy, flexibility, work-life balance, or more interactive and compassionate leadership.

What is the most important question leaders should ask employees?

In a fast-paced, ever-changing world, the need for bidirectional feedback between leadership and employees poses a pivotal question: "What is the most important question leaders should ask employees?" The question challenges conventional wisdom and urges leaders to lead with curiosity and inclusivity. Not as a source of answers but as a catalyst for rethinking how we lead and create thriving, innovative workplaces.

What is the most important question employees should ask leaders?

The question, "What is the most important question employees should ask leaders?" serves as a catalyst for empowering employees and transforming workplace dynamics. When employees feel comfortable posing this and other critical questions, and leaders are open to answering them, the result is a more inclusive, innovative, and transparent organization.

What is the most important question we should ask ourselves?

Self-reflection is a critical part of personal and professional development. Asking transformative questions like "What is the most important question we should ask ourselves?" has the power to shift paradigms in leadership, organization, and innovation. It guides our actions and shapes our lives' trajectory, encouraging forward-thinking leadership and redefining success in a rapidly changing world.

To learn more about our Be a Workplace of the Future Now series and related workshops, visit LeaderONE. Our next workplace workshop occurs on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Learn more and sign up at LeaderONE Workplace Workshop.