10 Questions to Ask Your New Manager

When I interview people for a job position, I always ask them if they have any questions for me.

But they rarely have. Some candidates even look surprised.

Why?

A job is an economical relationship between you and your manager. What you bring to the table are knowledge, skills, and experience. What your manager offers are a salary, interesting projects, and a great working environment.

Both of you should be asking each other questions!

Here are some questions, off the top of my hat:

1. What do know about management? What models do you use?
2. What books and blogs do you read? Which managers are your source of inspiration?
3. Are your teams self-organizing? How? And how do you add value?
4. Can you give examples of your teams being happy about what you've done for them?
5. How have you motivated your team members?
6. What kind of direction, rules and constraints do you impose on teams?
7. What kinds of impediments have you removed lately?
8. How do you develop competence and craftsmanship in the teams?
9. Am I free to use social tools and networks, like Twitter and Facebook?
10. Can I have business cards without a job title printed on it?

Can you think of some more?

Trust in a business environment can only be achieved when both parties in an economical relationship ask the right questions, and give satisfying answers.

Never be the only one to answer questions!

You know what? Next time when you don't ask me questions, I'm not even going to hire you.

(picture by Stefan Baudy)

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