Instead of wondering or coming up with solutions based upon assumptions, why not just ask the question?
Or quite possibly the questions.
Have you ever asked your employees the question:
- What makes your day working here?
- What annoys you the most working here?
Now these may easily be viewed as questions where the answers might get someone fired fast. Therefore if you want to hear the truth, the questions have to be presented properly and truthfully. Further the no action to anyone based on the answers they give has to be truthful and upheld. For one reason, among many others, if someone is let go due to the answers they gave no one will ever give full and honest feedback to anyone ever again.
The act of asking the questions may seem like a job for the people in HR. However, when the CEO or Founder asks the questions it’s much more meaningful.
For one thing it may be the first time any of the employees ever met or spoke with the CEO or Founder of the company. This engagement alone may have a positive impact on an employee’s attitude toward the company.
Another point is to continue the conversation after the answers are given.
For example: After asking: What makes your day working here?
Ask as a follow-up: How may we create more moments like this for you here?
OR: After Asking: What annoys you the most working here?
Ask as a follow-up: What are some ways we can change that from happening?
The point is to not only offer the chance to complain or to be nice, it’s to offer feedback and solutions too.
Part of these conversations should additionally be presented with care.
Just because you gave feedback and offered a solution that made sense to you – doesn’t guarantee that it will be implemented. Each person involved needs to understand their feedback is being heard and it is important, however, not every suggestion or solution can be acted upon. With this knowledge in hand another touch-point becomes available.
Each employee who has this opportunity to engage with the owner/CEO/Founder should be sent an email or a letter directly to them showing appreciation for their openness and willingness to have this conversation.
Some larger organizations even have a photographer trailing along and a photo of them and the CEO or Founder is sent to them along with the letter. Be extra careful here to make certain of names and who is the person in the photo so everything is correct.
The lasting positive impression goes out the window with an incorrect name or photo.
We can take the opportunity to ask a question, obtain feedback and potentially create some positive feelings about the company all at the same time.
All it takes is some planning and extra care.
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.
As always share the information in this article with people you know.
