5 questions that turn a PDA into a career conversation in local government

You know better than I do – the annual Professional Development Agreement season in local government is here! For many leaders, this means a calendar full of check-in meetings and a flurry of forms to complete.

But what if the PDA wasn’t just a form? What if it was a genuine moment to connect, develop, and inspire?

Done well, a PDA conversation can be one of the most valuable leadership interactions of the year. It can spark insight, affirm purpose, and uncover untapped potential. And the shift starts not with a new template** – but with better questions.

Here are five powerful, open-ended questions drawn from the Leaders Who Ask approach that can take your PDA from performance review to career development:

1. ‘What’s my mindset going into this conversation?’
   This one’s for you… Approaching the conversation with openness and curiosity helps build connection. You don’t need to ‘run’ the conversation – you need to guide it with a few good questions.

2. ‘What’s something you’ve learned about yourself this year?’
   This encourages reflection – not just on tasks completed, but on personal growth. It can reveal untapped capabilities or shifts in motivation.
3. ‘How do you think you have gone this half-year?’
   Many leaders worry about how to give feedback on performance gaps. The truth is, most people already know where they’re doing well—and where they’re struggling. Let them lead, and build on their insights. (And if they miss something important, then add your perspective.)
4. ‘Looking ahead, what kind of work would stretch or excite you?’
   This question taps into aspiration. It’s a great way to uncover the ‘development pull’ that fuels engagement—and to match individual growth with organisational need.
5. ‘What support do you need from me to do your best work?’
   This simple question can transform the dynamic. It demonstrates your investment in their success and signals that performance is a shared responsibility.

These aren’t magic questions, but they are strategic. They invite insight, create ownership, and lay the foundation for meaningful follow-up.

And perhaps most importantly, these questions remind your team that they matter.

So as you enter PDA season, go beyond the form. Turn the conversation into a career moment—one that builds trust, unlocks potential, and reinforces the culture you want to lead.

Go Fearlessly – Corrinne