“What if…”
When you preface your idea as a suggestion you remove ego and reduce emotion. You’re no longer forcing a position, but enabling someone to brainstorm more easily with you.
“I need your help…”
When you ask your employee for help you’re now enrolling the subordinate person and asking them to rise up and can be especially effective when you want a person to change their behavior and take more responsibility.
“Would it be helpful it…”
Offering up a solution rather than focusing on the problem will help your employees see a possible course of action and help lead to a positive outcome.
Focus on Solutions
Instead of asking “What’s wrong?” or “Why is this happening?” instead ask “What do we want?” and “How will we achieve it?”