Article: Making room for creative approaches and even failure fosters a positive working environment and allows employees to bring their own talents to the table. While the goals you have itemized in your plan should be consistent across the board, understand that your employees have different ways of thinking and a variety of skills. One employee's method for resolving a customer complaint, for instance, might not be what you specifically envisionedit might be even better! Consider posing situational examples in group meetings and asking employees how they would resolve the problem. For instance, "X customer has a screaming baby and can't find Y product. How would you help him/her?" Thought experiments can then be tested in the work environment. In the following meeting, have employees reflect on how these experiments went in actuality. Everyone needs affirmation, and highlighting jobs well done both reinforces new habits and skills and inspires others to do well. Make a point to give praise immediately when possible. Set aside time in weekly or bi-weekly meetings to compliment employees on what they are doing well. Mention specific instances when you have observed an employee utilizing a new skill or behavior that is part of your long term vision and reaffirm how that small act is important to the larger goals. While verbal praise offers emotional reward, tangible benefits (such as time or money) also reinforce a job well done and create a positive work environment. For example, if your True North statement was "100% customer satisfaction," you might offer a bonus to employees who have had no customer complaints for a month. To promote a collaborate environment, you might choose to reward all of your employees with a nice group dinner or a weekend trip if your company meets the quarterly goal.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Allow experimentation. Show appreciation publicly. Incentivize employee objectives.