1. B4Ters fail to get employees’ (or co-workers) ideas on ways to improve. This includes improvement in customer service, product design, machinery usage–all areas of the business.
2. B4Ters lose opportunities to make employees feel involved in the business and build morale.
The wisest business owner who ever lived tells us, Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success. (Proverbs 15:22)
Encourage your managers to value the employees, even treating them as counselors. Transform your workers from a group of employees you’ve been trying to get more work out of, into a team of consultants who can help run your business better. So what’s the key phrase? The next time an employee comes to you with a question about how something should be done, simply ask, “What’s ‘your’ recommendation?” Solomon also teaches, “Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.” (Proverbs 12:15)
Be humble. Listen first. Make it a habit to listen to the employees ideas first, before you have them listen to yours. No employee should be overlooked. You’ll be surprised at the good input you’ll receive and you’ll learn your employees can help solve all kinds of problems. In turn, the employees will take greater ownership in the business and have more pride in their work knowing they’re an important part of the business.
Managers still need to make decisions, but asking your people for their input can be a meaningful first step for improving the culture of your business and your bottom line. As business owners and managers we should see ourselves as people developers, and not as bosses.
So… What’s your recommendation?