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We pay attention to customers, because if we don't, we lose their custom.
We pay attention to what our competitors are doing, because if we don't, they will be our undoing.
We pay attention to our employees, because if we don't, they will... Hang on, before we say something we might regret, consider this. Most of the attention we pay employees is as instructions, rules, and regulations.
Not you? Well, when was the last time you genuinely listened to your employees?
By "listen to" I don't mean that we must act on what they say. We must hear them, acknowledge that we have heard, and respond appropriately. That's all.
Yes, there is a risk in listening to employees. But the risk lies in ignoring them after we allow them to speak up and make suggestions. Don't encourage participation, feedback, empowerment, commitment, or whatever platitudes you hope will boost productivity. Unless you mean it.
If you ask for input only to ignore both input and employee, they will pay you back in kind. With interest. And not only with passive-aggressive behavior.
Clearly, you only have two options. Never pay lip service when you ask for input. Or never ask.
(The bonus in never asking? Your suggestion box will always be empty.)
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Your Friday Trigger Question:
Did you pay attention or pay lip service?
(Did you ask and ignore, or did you ask and listen?)
Welcome to my side of the nonsense empowerment divide.
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