5 Weekly Questions Every Manager Should Ask His People

Effective communication is the bedrock of a high-performing team. Managers can often miss crucial cues about their team’s well-being, performance, or concerns. Pulse surveys offer a quick and efficient way to check in with your team regularly. Performance Scoring’s Pulse Survey tool takes this to the next level by allowing managers to schedule binary questions that elicit immediate responses and notes, which then notify managers based on the type of response. Here’s a guide to the five weekly questions every manager should be asking.

1. “Do you have the resources you need to perform your job well?”
   Lack of resources is a major hindrance to employee productivity. According to Gallup, “only 41% of employees feel they have the materials and equipment they need to do their work right” (Gallup, 2020). Use the Pulse Survey tool to schedule this question weekly and set it to notify you if anyone responds with a ‘No.’
2. “Do you feel your work this week aligned with our company values?”
   Alignment with company values is critical for job satisfaction. This question helps keep company values front and center. If anyone responds ‘No,’ the notes can be invaluable for managers in identifying specific areas for improvement.
3. “Were you able to maintain a good work-life balance this week?”
   Work-life balance is increasingly seen as an essential part of employee well-being. A study by Deloitte showed that “77% of respondents said that they have experienced burnout at their current job” (Deloitte, 2018). A ‘No’ to this question should be an immediate red flag for managers.
4. “Did you receive timely and constructive feedback from me this week?”
   Regular feedback boosts employee engagement. According to Forbes, “Employees who receive regular feedback on their strengths are 30.4 times more likely to be engaged” (Forbes, 2019). Use this question to self-assess your managerial practices.
5. “Do you feel comfortable voicing your opinions and concerns?”
   An open culture encourages better communication and problem-solving. A ‘No’ to this question is a signal for the manager to investigate what might be hindering open communication.

Conclusion:
Regular check-ins via Performance Scoring’s Pulse Survey tool can provide invaluable insights into your team’s morale, needs, and alignment with company objectives. By automating these essential questions, managers are better equipped to address issues proactively, leading to a more engaged and productive team.