You need to make them feel that their thoughts and ideas are valued and will be taken seriously. You have to follow through if they make a suggestion. Whenever we have a new hire we tell them they have a voice and if they have a good idea for themselves, it's probably a good idea for everyone. We've occasionally done spiffs or rewards for innovative ideas. All starts with asking someone for their opinions so they are not afraid to speak up.
I am a Sales Account Manager covering Western NC/SC/GA so I work with customers rather than employees. I just build relationships with them through visits, training classes, job site visits and interactions with the Engineers designing the project.
There doesn't have to be a divide between managers, owners, and employees. The best way to connect everyone is to be inclusive with an open door policy for improving productivity. Everyone's opinion matters no matter how far fetched it seems. Setup weekly think-tank meetings and ask your employees for at least one idea. Ask employees if they see inhibitors to productivity then as a group, work out a solution. Not only do these meetings increase productivity, they also increase employees morale. Companies that include employees as part of the decision making process increase productivity not to mention employee retention.
It is most important for Human Resources to make a meaningful and significant impression on each and every employee. Sharing ideas and improving productivity often consists of allowing employees to go outside of their comfort zone. Anytime we ask an employee to do that there is associated risk to that employee. They need to feel that they can go to someone above their supervisor if they need to in order to discuss their insecurities. That is the job of Human Resources.
Absolutely! An employee's improved productivity = company's improved productivity.
I often ask "what do you think is the best way to tackle this?" and only comment if I see a potential stumbling block. It turns out to be more of a collaboration rather than me telling someone how to do something - and they often have different ideas than I do.
That's a good question but usually when your working for someone else the company already has it's own vision, now if you ask for your employees input on how to improve productivity you should value everyone's opinion and try to spend more time on the floor and not hiding behind a desk this is important because you want to track down where improvement is needed the most in the Business and by going directly to the source you can chat with person or persons who are directly affecting productivity, if you have 3 shifts ask those questions to the people who affect your bottom line. Offer giveaways for a dinner, and a movie or some type of giveaway to show your appreciation for your employees input.
I use personal experiences and observations to create a unique perspective of the subject matter. I try to be less formal, use humor where I can, but still be serious when I need to be. Being able to relate to your audience I think is key to connect.
I have found that every work place is different. I have been in many different leadership positions and connecting with them has always been different. Some places, if you got too buddy buddy with them it made it difficult to lead and/or reprimand them without ruining relationships. Other places, it was understood who was in charge and that did not detract from more personal office relationships. I think a great quality as a leader is understanding people and their needs, ideals, qualities, etc and knowing how best to work with them, as well as how best to get work from them while maintaining a good relationship.
Answers (1-10)
I often ask "what do you think is the best way to tackle this?" and only comment if I see a potential stumbling block. It turns out to be more of a collaboration rather than me telling someone how to do something - and they often have different ideas than I do.
I think a great quality as a leader is understanding people and their needs, ideals, qualities, etc and knowing how best to work with them, as well as how best to get work from them while maintaining a good relationship.