12 Keys to employee engagement: My opinion counts

Have you ever worked for a boss who genuinely wanted to hear your opinion? How about one who wouldn’t listen to anyone’s opinion – certainly not yours.

Which one made you feel more valued as a person? Which one made you want to think harder and do better work?

If you’re now a manager, think carefully about which one describes the way you manage.

Do you ASK for ideas and opinions from your team members, or just tell them the way things are going to be?

Do you stop talking and actively LISTEN if a team member offers an opinion or idea?

When was the last time you changed a plan because of the opinion of a team member? When did you last implement something based on the ideas of a team member?

Among the keys to employee engagement is this one thing: “My opinions count.”

I’ve sat in on employee meetings and heard managers say, “I want to remind you about our policies for being late, tardy or sick. If you’re sick, you’ll need to get a doctor’s excuse or it will be an unexcused absence. Does anyone NOT understand this policy?” Sometimes, the review of policies goes on and on, in a tone that wouldn’t make me feel valued or engaged if I was the recipient.

What if the manager had said, “I’ve noticed a lot of people being late or sick lately. Does anyone have any ideas on how we should handle this?” Perhaps, through active listening and open discussion, the manager may have arrived at the same place as the company policies, but perhaps some other conditions may have surfaced that could be handled in a way to build and strengthen the team, and the loyalty to the company.

New managers often believe their main job is to enforce company policies. Experienced managers who are focused on building a strong, engaged, successful team know the importance of collaborative decision making, and of seeking – and valuing – the opinions of each member of the team.