Meeting People Where They’re At: The 3 Questions That Change Everything

Happy Wednesday!

Welcome to Leadership Unscripted. Each edition, we share 1 Case Study, 1 Framework, 1 Question. These are real moments and practical strategies for rethinking your approach to leadership.

Let’s dive in.

When Danielle stepped into her new manager role at a fast-growing healthcare organization, she brought with her energy, ambition, and a clear vision.

She had led projects. Built relationships. Earned the promotion. Now, she wanted to be the kind of leader people wanted to follow.

But three months in, something felt off.

The team wasn’t warming up. One direct report was actively disengaged. Another gave short, transactional updates but never offered ideas. A third seemed friendly in Slack but distant in meetings.

Danielle tried team lunches. Friday shoutouts. Even switching up the one-on-one cadence.

Still, little changed.

That’s when her coach suggested a pivot:

“Instead of showing up as the manager you think they need, ask them what they actually need.”

So Danielle asked three questions during her next 1:1s:

1. What motivates you in your work?

2. What does success look like for you this quarter?

3. How do you like to be recognized?

The shift was immediate.

One team member revealed they were motivated by autonomy, not collaboration. Another shared they were dealing with imposter syndrome and needed clearer expectations. A third admitted they thrived on public recognition but felt invisible in team settings.

Danielle had been managing with good intent but generic tactics.

These questions helped her lead with intention and insight.

She began tailoring feedback, acknowledging wins in a way they valued. Aligning projects with intrinsic motivators. And her team? They didn’t just perform better. They leaned in.

Because when you meet people in their world, they’re more likely to show up in yours.

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1 Framework

The 3Q Connection: A Quick Guide to Leading with Personal Insight

Add these three prompts to your next 1:1 or team check-in:

1️⃣ What motivates you right now?
(Helps tailor tasks and build momentum.)

2️⃣ What does success look like to you this quarter?
(Aligns individual vision with team goals.)

3️⃣ How do you like to be recognized?
(Ensures your praise lands the way it should.)

Pro Tip: Document the answers. Refer to them often. Great leadership is often found in the follow-up.

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1 Question

Consider this  👉 When was the last time you asked someone how they wanted to be recognized and actually adjusted your leadership style based on the answer?

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Real Stories. Real Tools. Real Impact.

Forget the fluff. We’re that company, revealing behind-the-scenes leadership wins and strategies that actually work.

Because all it takes is one bold move to shatter barriers, inspire your team, and make your mark.