Good Questions to Ask Executive Leaders
Strategic questions that help you understand executive perspectives, leadership philosophy, and organizational direction while demonstrating your strategic thinking and interest in the company's future.
1What is your vision for the company's future and how do you plan to achieve it?
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What is your vision for the company's future and how do you plan to achieve it?
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Why this works
Shows strategic thinking and reveals the executive's vision, goals, and strategic approach to achieving the company's objectives.
2What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now and how are you addressing them?
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What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now and how are you addressing them?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of business challenges and reveals the executive's approach to problem-solving and strategic decision-making.
3How do you define leadership and what qualities do you look for in leaders?
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How do you define leadership and what qualities do you look for in leaders?
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Why this works
Shows interest in leadership development and reveals the executive's philosophy on leadership and what qualities they value most.
4What is your approach to innovation and staying competitive in the market?
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What is your approach to innovation and staying competitive in the market?
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Why this works
Demonstrates strategic thinking and reveals the executive's approach to innovation and maintaining competitive advantage.
5How do you handle difficult decisions and what factors do you consider?
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How do you handle difficult decisions and what factors do you consider?
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Why this works
Shows interest in decision-making processes and reveals the executive's approach to complex decisions and problem-solving.
6What is your philosophy on company culture and how do you maintain it?
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What is your philosophy on company culture and how do you maintain it?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of organizational culture and reveals the executive's approach to building and maintaining company culture.
7How do you approach talent development and succession planning?
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How do you approach talent development and succession planning?
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Why this works
Shows interest in human capital and reveals the executive's approach to developing talent and planning for future leadership.
8What is your approach to risk management and how do you balance risk with opportunity?
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What is your approach to risk management and how do you balance risk with opportunity?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of risk management and reveals the executive's approach to balancing risk and opportunity.
9How do you stay informed about industry trends and market changes?
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How do you stay informed about industry trends and market changes?
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Why this works
Shows interest in continuous learning and reveals the executive's approach to staying current with industry developments.
10What is your approach to stakeholder management and building relationships?
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What is your approach to stakeholder management and building relationships?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of stakeholder relationships and reveals the executive's approach to managing key relationships.
11How do you measure success and what metrics do you focus on?
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How do you measure success and what metrics do you focus on?
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Why this works
Shows interest in performance measurement and reveals the executive's approach to measuring success and tracking progress.
12What is your approach to change management and how do you lead through change?
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What is your approach to change management and how do you lead through change?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of change leadership and reveals the executive's approach to managing and leading through organizational change.
13How do you approach diversity and inclusion in leadership and decision-making?
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How do you approach diversity and inclusion in leadership and decision-making?
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Why this works
Shows interest in inclusive leadership and reveals the executive's approach to diversity and inclusion in leadership roles.
14What is your approach to crisis management and how do you prepare for potential crises?
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What is your approach to crisis management and how do you prepare for potential crises?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of crisis leadership and reveals the executive's approach to crisis management and preparedness.
15How do you approach strategic partnerships and alliances?
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How do you approach strategic partnerships and alliances?
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Why this works
Shows interest in strategic relationships and reveals the executive's approach to building and managing strategic partnerships.
16What is your approach to technology and digital transformation?
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What is your approach to technology and digital transformation?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of technology leadership and reveals the executive's approach to technology and digital transformation.
17How do you approach sustainability and corporate social responsibility?
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How do you approach sustainability and corporate social responsibility?
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Why this works
Shows interest in responsible leadership and reveals the executive's approach to sustainability and social responsibility.
18What is your approach to global expansion and international markets?
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What is your approach to global expansion and international markets?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of global business and reveals the executive's approach to international expansion and global markets.
19How do you approach talent acquisition and retention?
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How do you approach talent acquisition and retention?
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Why this works
Shows interest in human capital management and reveals the executive's approach to attracting and retaining top talent.
20What is your approach to board relations and governance?
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What is your approach to board relations and governance?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of corporate governance and reveals the executive's approach to board relationships and governance.
Best Practices for Executive Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen
Demonstrate your understanding of business strategy and your ability to think strategically about the company's future and challenges.
Focus on Leadership and Organizational Development
Ask about leadership philosophy, talent development, and organizational culture. This shows you understand the importance of human capital and leadership.
Demonstrate Interest in the Company's Future
Ask about the company's vision, strategic direction, and future plans. This shows you're thinking long-term and are committed to the company's success.
Question Sequences
The Strategic Vision and Direction Sequence
The Leadership and Culture Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions That Show Lack of Preparation
Avoid questions that could be answered by basic research about the company. Show you've done your homework and ask thoughtful, informed questions.
Don't Ask Questions That Are Too Personal
Avoid questions about personal matters or private information. Focus on professional and business-related topics that are relevant to the role.
Don't Ask Questions That Are Too Narrow
Avoid questions that are too specific or narrow in scope. Ask questions that are relevant to the role and show your understanding of the business.