Surveys & Diagnostics – The Three Questions Every Leader Needs to Ask About Building Success
Culture isn’t a problem to be solved, it is an asset to be developed. Leave your sledgehammer at home.
Before embarking on the journey of problem-solving or seizing opportunities, leaders must ground their actions in thorough assessment and diagnosis. This approach ensures that strategies are practical and in line with the enterprise’s strategies, goals, and aspirations.
The Purpose of Assessments & Diagnostics
Assessments and diagnostics assist in gaining a better understanding of ‘what is going on’ with an individual, team, task, process, project, or organization culture. They provide invaluable insights that assist in decision-making and determining priorities. This foundational step prevents misdirection and fosters a strategic approach to change and growth. Read our article: Prescription Without Diagnosis is Malpractice.
The Essential Questions for Leadership
“Where are we now?”
This question demands a candid evaluation of the organization’s current status. Understanding where you stand is crucial for setting realistic goals and identifying the gaps and strengths within your current operations. Leaders need to expect to be told the truth about “what is so.” This question sets the baseline for all future actions and strategies.
“Where do we need to be?”
All too often leaders fall into the trap of problem-solving once they have identified the problem. Effective leader behaviour is to determine what a successful outcome would look like, given the organization’s current business environment. This question encourages leaders to define success in tangible terms, outlining the objectives and milestones that will signify achievement. It’s about setting a clear direction that aligns with the organization’s mission and values.
“How do we get there?”
With a solid grasp of the current situation and a vision for the future, the next step is to devise a strategic plan to bridge the gap. This involves determining the actions, resources, and timelines necessary to move from the present to the desired future state.
The Importance of Order
The sequence of these questions is as critical as the questions themselves. Beginning with an understanding of the current state ensures that plans are rooted in reality. Setting a clear vision for the future guides the direction of efforts and resources. Finally, outlining a strategic path ensures that the journey from the current state to the envisioned future is methodical, organized, and actionable.
We believe that when people have a common understanding of a problem or opportunity and agree on a goal, creating a plan becomes easy, AND the leadership team moves from “talk” to “action.”
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