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The main reasons employees don’t speak their mind at work

For many companies, it’s not leaders’ fear standing in the way of progress—it is thousands of small, missed opportunities when employees do not speak up and share their insights

Source | www.fastcompany.com | KARIN HURT | DAVID DYE

In our research conducted in collaboration with the University of North Colorado Social Research lab, we found five reasons that people don’t speak up to contribute solutions, suggest micro-innovations, or advocate for customers.

1. PEOPLE DON’T THINK LEADERSHIP WANTS THEIR IDEAS

Executives, managers, and employees described what happened when they approached their boss with a great idea and an executable plan to improve the business. In many cases, their boss agreed their concept would work and was doable, but then they were told to go back and do things “the old way.”

Forty-one percent of survey respondents said leadership doesn’t value innovation, and 67% said leadership operates on the notion that “this is how we’ve always done it.”

Why this matters: If employees don’t think you really want their ideas, they won’t bother to offer them. Your best thinkers are still thinking, but not about your business. They’re starting a side gig, getting proficient at their hobby, or figuring out their next move.

2. NO ONE ASKS

One significant reason employees say they don’t share what they think is that “no one asked.” An astonishing 49% of employees surveyed said that they are not regularly asked for their ideas.

We heard from many managers who acknowledged that frontline employee micro-innovations and customer service enhancements are vital for success, but they lack any regular way to ask for ideas.

Click here to read the full article

Source
www.fastcompany.com
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