How to Improve Employee Performance by Using the Socratic Method

How do I get my team to perform better?

As a business coach, one of the most common questions I hear from business owners is:

How do I get my team to perform better?

Many small business owners struggle with employees who:

• Don’t take ownership of their work
• Need constant supervision
• Resist feedback or new ideas
• Lack motivation or engagement

Whether it’s lack of motivation, poor decision-making, or difficulty adapting to change, traditional management approaches often fall short.

Why?

Traditional management tends to focus on telling rather than asking.

When employees struggle, managers often resort to:

• Giving direct instructions instead of encouraging independent thinking.
• Providing solutions rather than helping employees learn to solve their own problems.
• Relying on performance reviews that assess rather than develop skills.
• Using incentives or punishments instead of tapping into intrinsic motivation.

The problem with these approaches is that they create dependency.

Employees wait for direction rather than taking initiative. They fear making mistakes instead of learning from them.

The result?

A workforce that lacks adaptability and problem-solving skills – and an owner that is stuck in the hub and spoke trap.

The real key to improving employee performance isn’t about telling people what to do, it’s about helping them think differently.

That’s where the Socratic Method comes in.

This method is named after the Greek philosopher Socrates, who believed that true learning comes not from being told what to do but from discovering the answer through questioning and reflection.

Unlike traditional teaching methods, the Socratic Method isn’t about being the “sage on the stage.”

It’s about being the “guide on the side.”

Instead of providing answers, a leader using this method asks thought-provoking questions that help employees examine their assumptions, think through problems, and arrive at their own conclusions.

At W5 Coaching, this method is at the heart of what I do.

In fact, the name “W5” comes from the five core questions that drive the Socratic approach: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

Instead of simply giving my clients a list of actions to take, I guide them through structured questioning that helps them uncover their own best solutions.

The result?

Business owners who gain clarity, make smarter decisions, and build teams that think and act independently.

Want better team performance? Start asking better questions!

Here’s how you can use the Socratic Method to improve employee performance in your business:

1. Clarify Expectations and Understanding

Instead of saying: “You need to do this better.”

Ask: “What does success look like in this task?” or “What’s your understanding of what’s expected?”

When employees articulate expectations in their own words, they gain clarity and are more likely to meet those standards.

2. Challenge Assumptions

Instead of saying: “That’s not how we do things.”

Ask: “What would happen if we tried it a different way?” or “Why do you believe this is the best course of action?”

This helps employees think critically and consider alternative approaches.

3. Encourage Problem-Solving

Instead of saying: “Here’s how to fix it.”

Ask: “What do you think is causing the issue?” or “What solutions can you come up with?” of “What would you do if I wasn’t here?”

This shifts the responsibility of solving problems to the employee, creating a stronger sense of independence and accountability.

4. Help Them See Different Perspectives

Instead of saying: “You’re wrong.”

Ask: “Can you see this from another perspective?” or “What do you think the client’s experience is in this situation?”

Encouraging different viewpoints helps employees develop empathy and better decision-making skills.

5. Encourage Reflection and Growth

Instead of saying: “You need to improve.”

Ask: “What did you learn from this experience?” or “What would you do differently next time?”

This promotes continuous learning and development.

The Socratic Method doesn’t just improve employee performance. It creates a culture of critical thinking, accountability, and continuous improvement.

When employees learn to ask and answer their own questions, they become more engaged, proactive, and effective.

So next time you’re about to give an answer, pause. Instead, ask a question.

You might be surprised at how much your employees—and your business—benefit from it.

Want to explore how this approach can transform your business? Let’s talk!

Click here to book a complimentary 15-minute call to talk about coaching: Book Time with John