{"id":1248,"date":"2020-05-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-27T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ericaleeconsulting.com\/your-response-means-everything\/"},"modified":"2021-11-10T04:08:10","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T09:08:10","slug":"your-response-means-everything","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onwardbusinessmechanics.com\/staging\/4922\/your-response-means-everything\/","title":{"rendered":"Your response means everything!"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
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Erica talks about how a leader’s reaction upon hearing an idea from a team member can be a crucial, make-or-break element in building a healthy work culture.<\/span><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Your response means EVERYTHING!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As a leader, how do you react when one of your team members suggests an improvement in the workplace?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Do you go on the defense? Or welcome the input?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Earlier this week I posted about an example cited by Mark Graban<\/a> of a mindset that equates finding a problem (or opportunity to improve) with BEING a problem.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

And my post got a LOT of attention, which makes me thin this mindset is more common than I thought.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Leaders in some workplaces say ‘Look, that’s the job!’ when one of their employees suggests doing things differently.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

They perceive a lack of commitment, or a lack of dedication to the job.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

So here’s what I want to say, to leaders of all industries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When one of your people suggests a process improvement it’s NOT a sign of weakness, or a lack of commitment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It’s actually the opposite: by pointing out what could be done better, your team member is investing in the success of your business. They are taking ownership, or trying to.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

They are taking a risk by speaking up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you reward their idea with open-mindedness, you’ll get more ideas that add up to lower costs, better performance etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You’ll also build a healthier workplace culture — possibly the most valuable thing of all!<\/p>\r\n