Does anyone ask the people who do the work?
Let’s be clear – I’m not trying to expose the secret of consultants.
Seriously though – and this is true for any size company – does anyone actually have a real conversation with the people who day in and day out are actually doing the work?
Performing the functions that ultimately deliver the goods to their clients/consumers.
Now I’m not speaking about surveys, forms or blanket emails. In fact it’s not even forums filled with hundreds or thousands or people adding in the ones online. Nothing like these.
I’m talking about in person, one-on-one or one with two or three others, where interactive feedback may be given. There are employees who have been on a job in a company, or in multiple roles for years, with a good amount of experience who have never once been asked how they would improve a process or where they see bottlenecks or wasted effort.
Often these suggestions and ideas would return significant results in terms of time saved and/or efficiencies which would otherwise not take place.
Odds are these suggestions and ideas are not costly such as build a new factory or clear out and redesign another floor in the building.
A few keys to even having a chance at doing this successfully are:
1. The people initiating the conversation must have training in how to have these conversations.
In order to allow the feedback they need to know what to ask and how to ask and most importantly to be a great listener.
2. The people who do the work must trust the people conducting these conversations.
There needs to be a true sense that the feedback will be taken seriously at the highest levels of the company.
3. No promises should be given that any items being discussed will in fact be acted upon within a certain time frame or at all.
Don’t make false promises.
There is more, however, my point to you is speak with the people who are actually doing the work if you want to know how to make things work better in your company.
Give it a try – if you’re not ready to take this on – contact me and I’ll work with you and your people to have these conversations in your organization.
Wenkroy International LLC is a boutique consulting company with a main purpose of helping entrepreneurs and business people create the strategy, the plan and the steps necessary to achieve that person’s vision for their business and often their life, while navigating the obstacles which may be blocking them from reaching their goals. The process may involve one on one coaching, advising, laser focus days, personal growth workshops and more. The process is utilized for individuals, teams, divisions and across entire companies. People are now able to focus on what matters most to them, because, they have clarity on where they are heading.
You may be interested to know:
Do you know I’m interviewing stroke survivors, their spouse or partner as well? The purpose is to compile these stories in order to share the information with others. The stories will inspire others, help them with tips for handling what they are going through now and what they may face in the future. It may even become a go to resource for stroke survivors and their families. Here’s the link if that’s you or pass on to someone you know.
https://mitchtublin.com/survivors
As always share the information in this article with people you know.
