First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently

by Gallup Press

At the beginning of each year, or a week or two after the person has been hired, spend about an hour with him asking the following 10 questions: 1. What did you enjoy most about your previous work experience? What brought you here? (If an existing employee) What keeps you here? 2. What do you think your strengths are? (skills, knowledge, talent) 3. What about your weaknesses? 4. What are your goals for your current role? (Ask for scores and timelines) 5. How often would you like to meet with me to discuss your progress? Are you the kind of person who will tell me how you are feeling, or will I have to ask? 6. Do you have any personal goals or commitments you would like to tell me about? 7. What is the best praise you have ever received? What made it so good? 8. Have you had any really productive partnerships or mentors? Why do you think these relationships worked so well for you? 9. What are your future growth and career goals? Are there any particular skills you want to learn? Are there some specific challenges you want to experience? How can I help? 10. Is there anything else you want to talk about that might help us work well together?