In Episode 9 of Happywork TV, I introduce the 7th of 46 commitments in my upcoming book “Happywork.”
Here it is: “I will listen to the ideas of my employees.” And there was more, but this is all you need to know.
Why not listen to the ideas of your employees? They’re out on the front lines, dealing with issues hands-on. It is highly probable that they’re going to have a better solution to the problems they’re dealing with each and every day.
I can think of one reason why an employer or manager wouldn’t listen – ego. If someone else solves the problem you’re supposedly smart enough to solve, that’s not always going to feel good. Never mind that the company is better off because the problem is solved. If YOU didn’t solve it, bummer dude.
Another reason? Front line workers don’t have the big picture, and don’t write the checks, so their solutions are short-sighted and unrealistic. Of course this is sometimes true.
But why not listen to them? At the very least, an employee who feels listened to is going to be happier and more engaged in their job. At best, they may provide an idea that’s awesome! Working together is better than working individually.
Listen to your employees! They’ll surprise you sometimes.
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Happywork is available for pre-order on Amazon – HERE!
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