Factors that Influence
- Seniority level of employees
- Hierarchical distance (i.e. Power Distance) between managers and subordinates
Opportunity to Share Thoughts & Ideas
Opportunity to Share Thoughts & Ideas
Background Information
This theme measures how easy employees feel it is to share their own ideas and feedback with supervisors and managers.
In addition to formal opportunities to present their thoughts, this result reflects employees’ feelings about how welcome their input is by others.
Results in this area often complement Employee efforts and achievements are properly recognized.
Why is this Important?
For an organization to innovate change and address pressing challenges, it is critical that employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.
Moreover, feeling free to express ideas and opinions is a major component of an employee’s sense of belonging and engagement.
When employees feel hesitant to share ideas or believe their input is not valued, it directly impacts their morale.
This negative impact is even greater when experienced by senior managers and VPs which can become precursors to larger issues.
Recommended Action Items
Consider implementing the following action items as part of your personalized strategy to improve the level of employee engagement within your team.
Provide Options
Not all employees feel comfortable raising issues in a group setting. Create opportunities for one-onone, casual conversations to enable staff to express their views and recommendations. Encourage feedback by having managers take time to actively seek out feedback from staff.
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Model the Behavior
When managers lead by example and demonstrate a willingness to ‘run ideas up the flagpole’, it encourages their teams to do the same. Conversely, when certain topics/issues are constantly sidestepped, it promotes a work culture where difficult conversations cause anxiety and are avoided.
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Encourage and Reward Dialogue
From giving credit to staff when in a group to formal rewards to staff whose ideas make an impact. Display a willingness to listen so staff feel that while every idea may not be implemented, they will be heard. If staff feel their thoughts are falling on deaf ears or will be criticized, they will quickly stop sharing.
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Team Communication & Culture
Actively pursue team building through activities and inter-departmental events that break down an “usversus-them” culture. When projects launch or wrap, be sure to celebrate and provide employees with opportunities to interact and build relationships. When staff feel comfortable and supported, they are likely to open-up and share information.
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