Are You Listening to Your Own Team?
Research shows the average employee’s ideas are only implemented once every 5 or 6 years
When it comes to leadership, it’s more than just a top-down process. The truth is, for most companies and nonprofits, the best ideas come up from the bottom. But sadly, most leaders ignore their own people. Research has found that in most companies in America, the average employee’s ideas are only implemented once every 5 or 6 years.
But the most successful companies encourage ideas from everyone – including the folks on the loading dock. Some companies use the old style “suggestion box,” but much better methods are meetings where employees are really listened to, or leaders who “walk through the factory” and really know their employees, understand their concerns and listen to ideas.
I don’t recommend you let it degrade to “idea fests” where everyone is tossing out wacky ideas, and chaos reigns. But you can set up structured listening times that will give your organization a creative shot in the arm.
The photo above is a Cooke Media Group TV commercial production – and on the set, I’m open to hearing what anyone on the team has to say. The next brilliant concept could come from anyone.
Remember that you never know where the idea that will save your organization will come from, so start listening to everyone – not just the people at the top.
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
