We must understand what workers need to perform and provide it. Training, incentives, rewards, and recognition are only a few of the ways to promote this culture. Workers must also be given the freedom to think, and the time to do it. Managers must be willing to abandon rigid traditions that hinder worker creativity, initiative, and productivity. Once expectations have been set, we must serve the needs of our workers rather than expecting them to fulfill subservient roles.
Managers can serve their workers and their companies in several ways.
Train workers to think logically and provide them with the analytical skills needed to identify and solve problems. Know what employees are learning and support them by creating an environment that encourages problem solving. Provide champions to remove barriers as they surface and mentors to guide and reassure employees as they begin to implement new ways of thinking and working. Eliminate rigid systems that waste time and hinder innovative thinking. Replace them with systems that support creativity and initiative.