Some leaders look to themselves or to experts outside the organization for answers. Every organization has access to a treasure in the input of their staff. Great leaders recognize this and continually solicit their wisdom.
Here are 5 huge benefits of gaining input from your staff:
#1 Wisdom. No one of us is as smart as all of us. Your staff are brilliant and they have game-changing ideas. You have blind spots in areas where your staff have clear vision. Their proximity to the issues gives them a perspective you simply do not have. Together you see sooner, farther and clearer.
#2 Commitment. Internal commitment is highest when advancing an initiative considered to be one’s idea or partially one’s idea. It’s a very simple but powerful law – no involvement, no commitment.
#3 Execution. Commitment to ideas always leads to better execution. Committed staff work harder and get more done in less time than those who are less committed.
#4 Collaboration. Most people are quite reasonable. They don’t need to get their way but they do need to feel understood. Once they feel understood, they are more inclined to support other great ideas and that kind of collaboration is contagious.
#5 Creativity. Nearly half of employees who say their opinion counts at work also feel their job brings out their creativity. Those who feel their creativity is encouraged are more engaged and way more productive than those who don’t. They also stay longer with the organization which reduces turnover and continues momentum.
Great leaders are aware that they have blind spots. They solicit the perspective of their staff to perfect their vision.
Great leaders understand the difference between authority and competence. They allow the brilliance of their staff to surface, especially when directing the details.
Great leaders understand that people who feel good about themselves produce good results. Staff feel good when their ideas and opinions matter at work.
What additional benefits do you see from seeking staff input and wisdom?
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Every organization has access to a treasure in the input and feedback of their staff. Share on X No one of us is as smart as all of us. Every leader has blind spots in areas where their staff have clear vision.Together you see sooner, farther and clearer. Share on X Internal commitment is highest when advancing an initiative considered to be one’s idea or partially one’s idea. No involvement, no commitment. Share on X Those who feel their creativity is encouraged and recognized are more productive than those who don’t. They also stay longer with the organization Share on X