This means agencies must communicate information to employees, as well as get information, ideas, and opinions from employees. Methods to disseminate information might include extensive orientation and training programs, newsletters, open meetings, e-mails, bulletin boards, teleconferences, and topical forums. Getting information from employees requires agencies to commit to not just listening but also acting on employees' ideas and suggestions. It's hard to over-communicate with employees. At all levels, the organization emphasizes relationships, partnerships, and teamwork.
Employees come and go.
Partners, on the other hand, tend to be much more connected to the organization and stay for the long term. The first steps in building partnerships, commitment to the mission and communication, we've already discussed. The agency places strong emphasis on learning, innovation, and development at both the individual and organizational levels. Not surprisingly, agencies that promote ongoing professional development and life-long learning tend to produce better results and retain a committed, innovative, highly skilled work force. The most visible way to demonstrate an emphasis on learning is for agencies to commit both time and money to develop and implement comprehensive, high-quality training programs for staff at all levels.