Some of the most important perspectives on the quest for continuous quality improvement at Schlegel Villages comes directly from neighbourhood team members. These direct care partners have the most significant impact upon their Village’s residents, and whether they’re Success Award Winners, Innovation Catalysts or simply exceptional people who quietly lead by example every day, their insights are sought and valued regularly.
In early April of 2025, Jamie Schlegel, president and CEO, convened a panel discussion with four of these care partners in front of more than 400 Schlegel Villages leaders at the annual Schlegel Villages leadership Retreat.
“I always find it so helpful to listen to our neighbourhood team members,” Jamie said as he began the discussion and introduced, Kim, Hilda, Vergel and Jashan, all Success Award winners in their respective Villages. “There's so much wisdom coming out of their experiences in the neighbourhoods that our leadership team members can benefit from. Our neighbourhood team members are the receivers,” Jamie continued, “the consumers of our leadership services that we provide to them, and it’s always wise to listen to what our customers have to say.”
The focus of the discussion, as was the theme of the entire two-day retreat, was leading with a coaching mindset. In the realm of coaching, the ability to ask powerful questions is extremely valuable, the group underscored, because thoughtful questions can help spark personal growth and shift the perspective of both the person asking the question and the one considering an answer.
One of the most significant aspects of powerful questions is their ability to prompt reflection. As an example, Kim shared an experience where a leader asked her: "Is there something that I can do better?" This question not only surprised her but also made her feel valued, because she felt her opinion was genuinely valued by the leader in their own quest towards improvement.
Vergel shared a moment when he was facing what felt like a daunting challenge and a leader asked him: ‘What is the one thing that you can change right now to help your team members and make an impact?’
“That question moved me,” Vergel explained. It shifted his mindset and encouraged him to focus on manageable steps rather than feeling overwhelmed. “In that specific moment,” he said, “I felt like I was being trained and it guided me to build my confidence, and then changed my mindset, which is something I carry still today.”
Such simple questions can create opportunities to build trust, which the foundation of any strong team. By promoting a culture of trust and support, leaders encourage team members to take risks and embrace new challenges, knowing they have the backing of those who support them.
In reflecting on the panel discussion and the theme from the 2025 Schlegel Villages Leadership Retreat, the importance of asking powerful questions as a leader is clear. These questions serve as catalysts for growth, enabling team members to reflect, shift their perspectives and face challenges, if not with ease, then with confidence. By fostering a culture of openness and trust by asking the right questions, leaders can empower their teams to reach their full potential, which can only make the organization stronger.
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