Guides › Managing a Team
Prepare questions that show how work really gets done
A tailored interview guide for staff, covering their tasks, tools, hand-offs and frustrations, plus what to watch for when you observe.
When to use it
Before interviewing staff or visiting a team for a review
Step by step
Describe the review
Write a few lines on the process or team you're looking at, why the review is happening and who you'll speak to.
Ask for an interview guide
Paste this prompt into your AI assistant.
Prompt to copyI'm reviewing [process or team] because [reason]. I'll interview [roles] for about [30] minutes each. Write an interview guide with: a short, reassuring opening script explaining the purpose, 12 to 15 open questions grouped into Daily tasks, Tools and systems, Hand-offs and approvals, Problems and workarounds, and Ideas for improvement. Add follow-up prompts for each group. Then add a checklist of 8 things to watch for if I observe the work in person (e.g. re-keying data, waiting time). Keep the tone neutral and non-judgemental.Tailor it per role
Ask the assistant to adjust the guide for a manager versus a frontline worker, then save both versions in Google Docs.
What you get
Opening: 'I'm here to understand how things work today, not to judge anyone.' Hand-offs: 'Walk me through what happens after you send an order to finance.' Follow-up: 'How long do you usually wait?' Observe: Are details typed into more than one system?
Tips
- Tell interviewees how their answers will be used and keep notes anonymous where you can.