The Five Minute Leader

High-achieving leaders are often laser-focused on goals, metrics, and performance. While these elements are essential for driving success, there’s another, often overlooked, tool that can significantly enhance a leader’s effectiveness: the simple question, “What went well for you this week?” This question is not just a casual inquiry; it’s a powerful leadership tool that can build stronger connections, foster a positive team culture, and drive continuous improvement. 

Why This Question Matters for Leaders 

Asking “What went well for you this week?” shifts the focus from problems and challenges to successes and progress. For high-achieving leaders, who are accustomed to pushing for results and solving problems, this question serves as a reminder that celebrating wins—no matter how small—is crucial for maintaining morale and motivation within the team. 

Moreover, this question encourages a mindset of reflection and appreciation, both for oneself and for others. It’s easy for leaders to get caught up in the pursuit of the next big goal, but pausing to recognize what’s going well fosters a culture of positivity and gratitude, which can be a powerful driver of sustained performance. 

Actionable Insights for Leaders 

1. Incorporate It into Your Routine: Make asking this question a part of your daily or weekly routine. Whether it’s during one-on-one meetings, team huddles, or even at the end of the day, take a moment to ask your team members, “What went well for you this week?” This simple question can uncover successes that might otherwise go unnoticed and provides an opportunity to celebrate and build on those wins. 

2. Model the Behavior: As a leader, it’s important to lead by example. Share your own reflections on what went well for you each week, especially when it involves overcoming a challenge. This not only sets the tone for open communication but also shows your team that you value the process of reflection and growth. It’s particularly impactful when leaders share personal stories of struggle turned into success, as it humanizes the leadership role and fosters trust. 

3. Encourage Team Sharing: Create a space where team members feel comfortable sharing not just their personal successes but also moments when they saw something go well for a colleague. This practice can help build a supportive and collaborative team environment. Recognizing the successes of others reinforces a team-oriented culture and encourages individuals to look beyond their own achievements. 

4. Use It as a Development Tool: Reflecting on what went well isn’t just about celebrating wins; it’s also a valuable tool for identifying what works. Leaders can use these reflections to identify strengths within the team and to develop strategies for replicating success. Ask follow-up questions like, “Why did it go well?” or “How can we build on this success?” to turn positive outcomes into learning opportunities that can benefit the entire team. 

5. Celebrate the Small Wins: High-achieving leaders often focus on big milestones, but small victories are just as important. Acknowledging and celebrating these smaller achievements can boost morale and keep momentum going. Make it a habit to publicly recognize these wins in team meetings or through internal communications. This reinforces the idea that every step forward is valuable and worth celebrating. 

6. Apply It to Leadership Growth: As a high-achieving leader, use this question to reflect on your own leadership journey. Ask yourself regularly, “What went well for me this week as a leader?” This self-reflection can help you identify areas where you’ve made progress, learn from your successes, and set the stage for continuous personal development. It also allows you to model the importance of self-reflection for your team. 

Implementing It into Your Team Culture 

To fully embed this practice into your team culture, consistency is key. Regularly asking this question in various settings—whether in formal meetings or informal check-ins—will help it become a natural part of your team’s communication style. Over time, you’ll notice that team members will start to ask each other the same question, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and mutual support. Consider incorporating this question into performance reviews or goal-setting sessions. By reflecting on past successes, both leaders and team members can set more informed and realistic goals, focusing on building upon what’s already working well. 

For high-achieving leaders, the question “What went well for you this week?” is more than just a way to check in with your team—it’s a strategic tool that can enhance leadership effectiveness, drive team engagement, and promote a positive, growth-oriented culture. By incorporating this simple yet powerful question into your daily leadership practice, you can help your team stay motivated, aligned, and ready to tackle new challenges, all while celebrating the progress and success that you collectively achieve.