To bring out the best in others, you can’t just say, “Do it!” and expect to step back and watch your team work. Delegation may be a critical leadership tool, but the best leaders do more than just make pronouncements and give direction. They ask great questions—thought-provoking questions that inspire others to think creatively, get engaged, be accountable, and take action.

But how do leaders keep themselves motivated and engaged? Turns out, they ask themselves a few key questions, too.

I asked four high-energy, engaging leaders to share the challenging questions they frequently ask themselves—ones that help them be better leaders. Here’s what they said.

1. “Am I Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reason?”

“At times, it’s easy to let office politics or a strong personality sway decisions,” says Angie Gels, Chief People Officer at Everything But The House, “so I have to ask myself, ‘Am I doing the right thing for the right reason?’”

For example, when making a decision about the structure of an organization, it might be easy to build a team around one particular individual, rather than step back, think critically, and make a tougher but more sound decision that’s best for the company’s work flow and results.

By answering her question, Gels says she can make sure that the decision she makes is in the best interests of everyone in the company.

Read my article at The Muse.