Ask these questions to create self-awareness about your work, goals and growth.‍

Great coaching starts with mirror holding - the things we say and do to help people see themselves in a whole new light. Instead of telling others how to improve, great coaches ask questions that help others chart their own improvement path. It's also the key to generating more self-awareness about how you work and develop next-level strengths. Based on the inspiring leaders I wrote about in The Feedback Fix and my own experiences as a speaker and trainer, here are five must-have question sets that can help you become more self-aware and drive deeply honest conversation about work, goals, and growth.

‍Strengths: What am I good at doing? Which work activities require less effort? What do I take on because I believe I'm the best person to do it? What have I been recognized for throughout my career?‍

Passions: What do I enjoy? In a typical work-week, what do I look forward to doing? What do I see on my calendar that energizes me? If I could design a job with no restrictions, how would I spend my time?‍

Values: What feels most useful? Which work outcomes make me most proud? Which of my tasks are most critical to the team or organization? What are the highest priorities for my life and how does my work fit in?‍

Goals: What creates a sense of forward momentum? What am I learning that will help me in the future? What do I envision for myself next? How’s my work today getting me closer to what I want for myself?‍

Relationships: How do I relate to others? Which working partnerships are best for me? What would an office of my favorite people look like? How does my work enhance my family and social connections?

Asking these kinds of questions helps us re-calibrate our personal and professional objectives and create an inner sense of alignment. It sets the conditions for more intentional and purposeful work and allows us to cut through the clutter and noise so that we have a clearer view of who we are, and, more importantly, who we are becoming.