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Curated Questions

Celebrating The Power Of Questions

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#103 Ken Woodward: The People Who Leave Get the Last Word: Revisiting a Question Ten Years Later

"What do former members say about the organization?" - Ken Woodward

Ten years ago today, I asked a question on my daily practice, IOTD365: what do former members say about an organization? I wrote it after my daughter gave up on an internship. One conversation in a hallway with a senior who'd done it was all it took.

In 2016 I read that question as an insider asking leaders to listen. Today I read it as a former member who left federal service after thirty-two years without anyone asking what I knew. I also read it as a founder who can't hear what's said after I leave the room.

In this episode, I reread the original post and question the man who wrote it. I look at where reputation really lives and the courage it takes to tell someone the truth. Then I borrow a habit from my years navigating submarines in and out of port. Taking a fix on an old question shows how far I've moved.

What question did you answer years ago that deserves a second look?

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

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tags: Curated Questions, Ken Woodward, revisiting questions, asking better questions, organizational reputation, former employees, exit interviews, employee feedback, workplace culture, climate survey, leadership listening, organizational learning, institutional knowledge, speaking up at work, workplace courage, internship, career reflection, leaving federal service, Navy veteran, submarine navigation, taking a fix, self-reflection, personal growth, journaling practice, Insight of the Day, IOTD365, reputation management, founder lessons, listening to feedback, curiosity
categories: Leadership, Strategy, Coaching, Critical Thinking, Innovation, Legacy, Problem Solving
Wednesday 09.30.26
Posted by Kenneth Woodward
 

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