Here is today's quick question for you...​What do we expect from each other?

Ask it when you're...

1. Joining a new organisation or team  - When working together for the first time, there can be a whole range of unspoken expectations that, if not acknowledged, can become traps for the team down the track.

2. Navigating tension - If things start to feel tense in your team, sometimes that’s because your expectations of each other are not being met. Asking an open question like this can help uncover the source of the problem.

3. Establishing a new partnership  - New partnerships are exciting, and there can be a tendency to jump into the work without stopping to align on how you’d like to work together. For more insights on successful partnerships, check out Wednesday Partnership by Phil Hayes-St Clair.

Here is today's quick question for you...​What is holding us back from success?

Ask it when you're...

1. Not progressing at the desired pace  - While we might have some forward momentum, often we feel like “if only <this was different> we could go quicker. Having open conversations with the right people in the room may unlock the critical blockage.

2. Allocating resources - Imagine if you could throw money or people at your most important obstruction. The first step is making sure you agree on the problem. This question can help test your alignment.

3. Seeking input from your frontline team - Gaining access to the voice of your customer can help distil the most critical problems, and your frontline team can give you deep insights from their day-to-day interactions.

Here is today's quick question for you...​How will we stay anchored to our north star?

Ask it when you're...

1. Anticipating or experiencing drift - If you’ve got a niggle in your gut that says ‘the team feels is drifting from our purpose’, use this prompt to see if the team can reflect and self-regulate.

2. Merging teams - When 2 teams come together, a new north star may emerge. I can take time for everyone to connect to it. This question helps accelerate that connection.

3. Changing corporate structure  - If you’re switching to a new type of entity (e.g. from not-for-profit to profit-for-purpose), your focus will change. This question connects your original DNA to your new operations.

Here is today's quick question for you...​What are our most important measures of success?

Ask it when you're...

1. Looking at a draft list of goals  - Many teams are optimists. They impose unrealistic expectations on themselves and others in the name of ‘stretch’, ultimately demoralising everyone. If that sounds like your team, try asking this question when you’re setting goals.

2. Attempting to refocus your team - Shiny distractions can pull your team from the most important priorities throughout the year. This question can act as a circuit breaker when loud voices are shouting from an exciting but less important vantage point.

3. Reflecting on where you could spend your time this week  - When your list is longer than the time available, anchoring back to your measures of success can keep you on track.