How is friction impacting you? Let try this interesting little tool of discovery.
Make a note on the hour what you found frustrating- what you found repetitive- in the last hour. We can get in a zone at times, we can ignore pain and frustration.
This is not good. We are being insulated from pain and we are not using our intellect as much as we are using our time and muscle.
A little preliminary work might be in order before you can ask your employees to do the same. You need to get in touch with your own attitudes. You also need to give employees a little warning here as to what is happening.
Employee engagement in a conversation about strategic objectives and a sensible plan to pursue them is needs as a framing point. And make sure, you are prepared to take feedback and let employees contribute to this conversation.
You can leverage the power of employee frustration and employee observation by creating systems for evaluating employee suggestions on friction points. A process for identifying friction is a critical part of a culture of innovation.
Get employees engaged in smart business practices is a good thing. It makes them happier and more productive. It makes you more money, makes their jobs more secure and raises morale. Check out notes on employee empowerment.
Most business owners tend to treat complaining employees like a parent around little kids, you build up a tolerance level for whining and complaining. What are your employees complaining about?
Some employers see employee complaints as a lack of a work ethic. Make sure you review the list of Mythology that can cost you money. Quite often complaints, if broken down to their essence, are a request for friction to stop.
By implementing a culture of innovation you help eliminate the whiners who just like to whine and engage the whiners who have something to contribute. Did you see the notes on a culture of innovation?
You need more time to imagine a work place free of friction. It starts with you. You need more slack.
What in this article makes you smile?
What causes a bit of a frown?
What tidbit should have been added?
Leave a comment below or feel free to call or email.
