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Something is not right. What should I do?
The question: I've tried many of what I consider the traditional benefits and empowerments, but it still seems like there's something missing. How can I fix this if I'm not quite sure what's wrong?Dr. Spann responds...
"missing,'' you need to consciously gather and analyze the incidents that lead you to feel something's wrong. Are there conflicts between groups, high turnover, missed deadlines, angry staff? Start weekly brown bag lunches with the boss where employees can ask anything and get answers. Have your human resources person informally ask employees how things are going. Share your concerns with the informal leaders in your company, and then listen.Be prepared to hear what you don't want to hear
To figure out what might be
If these methods don't work, you can ask an outside consultant (whom staff members might view as "safer'') to interview staff, do a survey or conduct a focus group to get information for you.
Be ready to hear information you won't like. It's likely that one reason you haven't heard it before is that the employees know you don't want to hear it, or it affects your "sacred cow." The fixes may require changes on your part and in areas you consider untouchable.
A consultant you trust would be helpful to work through what is best for the business and your employees, even if it doesn't feel good to you.