Questions to Ask Your Role Model
Meaningful questions to ask your role model to learn from their experiences, gain wisdom, and understand the path that led to their success.
1What was the most significant turning point in your life and how did it change you?
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What was the most significant turning point in your life and how did it change you?
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Why this works
Reveals the pivotal moments that shaped their character and success, providing insight into how major life events can transform a person.
2What advice would you give to your younger self at my age?
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What advice would you give to your younger self at my age?
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Why this works
Provides valuable guidance tailored to your current life stage, offering wisdom they wish they had known earlier.
3What has been your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?
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What has been your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?
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Why this works
Shows their vulnerability and resilience, demonstrating how setbacks can become valuable learning experiences.
4How do you approach making difficult decisions, especially when the stakes are high?
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How do you approach making difficult decisions, especially when the stakes are high?
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Why this works
Reveals their decision-making process and provides a framework you can apply to your own challenging choices.
5What habits or practices have been most important to your success?
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What habits or practices have been most important to your success?
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Why this works
Identifies specific behaviors and routines that contributed to their achievements, giving you actionable strategies to implement.
6How do you handle setbacks and maintain motivation during difficult times?
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How do you handle setbacks and maintain motivation during difficult times?
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Why this works
Provides insight into their resilience and coping strategies, helping you develop your own approach to overcoming challenges.
7What do you wish you had known earlier in your career or life?
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What do you wish you had known earlier in your career or life?
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Why this works
Reveals knowledge gaps they experienced and provides guidance on what to focus on for your own development.
8How do you balance your personal and professional life?
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How do you balance your personal and professional life?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to work-life balance and provides strategies for maintaining relationships while pursuing goals.
9What has been your most rewarding achievement and why does it matter to you?
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What has been your most rewarding achievement and why does it matter to you?
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Why this works
Reveals their values and what they consider truly meaningful, helping you understand what success looks like to them.
10How do you continue to grow and learn, even after achieving success?
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How do you continue to grow and learn, even after achieving success?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their commitment to lifelong learning and provides insight into how to maintain growth mindset.
11What role has mentorship played in your own development?
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What role has mentorship played in your own development?
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Why this works
Shows the importance of guidance and relationships in their journey, encouraging you to seek out your own mentors.
12How do you approach taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone?
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How do you approach taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone?
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Why this works
Reveals their relationship with risk and provides strategies for embracing uncertainty and growth opportunities.
13What values guide your decisions and how have they evolved over time?
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What values guide your decisions and how have they evolved over time?
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Why this works
Shows their moral compass and how their principles have shaped their choices and relationships.
14How do you handle criticism and feedback, especially when it's difficult to hear?
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How do you handle criticism and feedback, especially when it's difficult to hear?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their approach to growth and learning from others, providing strategies for handling constructive criticism.
15What has been your approach to building and maintaining relationships?
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What has been your approach to building and maintaining relationships?
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Why this works
Reveals their relationship philosophy and provides insight into how to cultivate meaningful connections.
16How do you stay focused on your goals while remaining open to new opportunities?
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How do you stay focused on your goals while remaining open to new opportunities?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to goal-setting and flexibility, providing strategies for maintaining direction while staying adaptable.
17What do you think are the most important qualities for success in your field?
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What do you think are the most important qualities for success in your field?
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Why this works
Provides specific guidance on what skills and characteristics are most valuable in their area of expertise.
18How do you approach giving back and making a positive impact on others?
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How do you approach giving back and making a positive impact on others?
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Why this works
Reveals their values around service and contribution, inspiring you to consider your own impact on the world.
19What would you do differently if you could start over?
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What would you do differently if you could start over?
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Why this works
Provides insight into their regrets and lessons learned, offering guidance on what to prioritize in your own journey.
20How do you define success and has that definition changed over time?
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How do you define success and has that definition changed over time?
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Why this works
Reveals their evolving understanding of success and provides perspective on what truly matters in life.
Learning from Role Models
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Effective Role Model Conversations
Show Genuine Respect
Approach the conversation with authentic admiration and curiosity about their journey and experiences.
Ask About Their Process
Focus on how they achieved their success, not just what they accomplished. Understanding their methods is more valuable than hearing about their results.
Listen for Wisdom
Pay attention to the deeper insights and life lessons they share, not just the surface-level advice.
Key Areas to Explore
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Put Them on a Pedestal
Remember they are human with flaws and struggles. Don't idealize them to the point where you can't learn from their mistakes.
Don't Ask for Specific Career Advice
Focus on general principles and life lessons rather than asking them to solve your specific problems or make decisions for you.
Don't Ignore Their Humanity
Ask about their struggles and failures, not just their successes. Their challenges are often more instructive than their victories.