10 Professional Development Questions Every Aspiring Leader Needs to Ask Themselves

So, you want to lead. Not just manage tasks, but truly lead people, projects, and progress. That’s great—but let’s get real: leadership isn’t handed out like free coffee at a company town hall. It’s earned. And the first person you need to lead? Yourself.

Whether you're stuck in the “good at my job but still overlooked” zone or aiming to make the leap to a bigger role, asking the right questions is your first strategic move.

Here are the 10 professional development questions every aspiring leader should be asking right now—before they even think about applying for that next-level job.

1. What do I actually want—and why?

Is it the title? The money? The influence? The freedom to make decisions? Be brutally honest here. Knowing your whykeeps you focused when things get hard (and they will).

2. What leadership skills am I missing right now?

People often confuse being good at their job with being ready to lead. Leadership is a different game: think communication, strategic thinking, coaching, conflict resolution. Where are your gaps? Name them so you can fix them.

3. What feedback have I actually received—and what have I done with it?

Feedback is career fuel—if you’re not actively asking for it or if you’re brushing it off, you're playing yourself. Go ask your boss, your peers, your team. If you’re not hearing anything? That’s feedback too.

4. Am I a go-to person for solutions—or just a really fast task-doer?

Leaders are the ones people turn to for clarity, action, and decisions. If you’re still deep in execution mode 24/7, it’s time to start shifting toward being a problem solver and trusted advisor.

5. Do I have advocates in the room I’m not in?

If you don’t have someone saying your name at promotion discussions, you’re invisible at the exact moment you need to be seen. Identify your internal advocates. If you don’t have any—build those relationships now.

6. Am I known for anything?

What’s your professional brand? What do people say you’re the best at? If you don’t have a signature strength or a consistent reputation, start crafting one.

7. What leadership behaviors am I modeling today?

You don’t have to wait for a title to act like a leader. Are you coaching others? Owning your mistakes? Thinking beyond your role? People are watching, even if you don’t have the corner office (yet).

8. What’s my relationship with learning and growth?

Leaders are growth junkies. If you haven’t taken a course, read a leadership book, or asked for stretch assignments lately, you're not showing the hunger that leadership demands.

9. Am I choosing comfort over challenge?

It’s easy to stay in the role you know how to kill. But leadership growth lives in the uncomfortable zone—new projects, new people, new pressure. Are you raising your hand, or staying hidden?

10. If I were on a promotion panel, would I vote for me?

Savage? Yes. Necessary? Also yes. Step back and look at your resume, your relationships, your presence, your results. Would you see someone who's ready for more—or someone who’s almost ready?

Reflection: 

Aspiring to lead means aspiring to grow—even when that growth stings a little. These questions aren’t here to discourage you. They’re here to make sure you stop guessing and start owning your path.

So ask yourself these questions. Better yet—write your answers down. Reflect. Rethink. Rebuild.

Because the truth is, leaders don’t just happen. They're built—on purpose.

Want a downloadable reflection worksheet with these questions + action prompts? Download the free worksheet: Professional Career Growth Check-In 
https://thegrowthtracklab.mykajabi.com/offers/9QwM2xFs