Q7: At work, my opinions seem to count.
Hear Me: Employees want to feel valued. They want to know that their input is important and that they are making a significant contribution and a difference to the environment in which they work.
Managers, try this now:
- Schedule regular times to talk with employees to specifically ask for their opinions.
- Follow up regularly with employees about their ideas, even if action did not occur.
Action Tool: Engaging Conversations: Opinions Count
Employee engagement depends on the circulation of ideas and opinions that make the team more effective in meeting the demands before them. Discussing, refining, and implementing new ideas is productive and invigorating. It builds employees’ confidence in their roles, creates a sense of belonging, and helps employees see that their efforts can and do make the organization and everyone it provides services to better.
Asking the following questions can help managers ensure that their employees feel like they count:
- What makes you feel valued here?
- How do you know your opinions matter?
- Who needs to hear your ideas?
- In the past six months, when have you felt your opinions mattered?
- Do you have any ideas or suggestions on how the team can improve the quality of service we provide to our internal partners and customers?
- Do we need to add quality checks? Are there areas in which you see risk of errors or mediocre performance?
- What is your best idea for improving our team?
- Are there areas in which you see room for improvement? How do you think we should fix these areas?
- Do you feel comfortable enough to tell it like it is? How can I make you feel more comfortable with sharing your thoughts and ideas?
Originally produced by Gallup. Adapted with permission.
More Q7 resources
When people feel involved in making a decision, they typically have a greater sense of responsibility or psychological ownership of the process, which can mean better business results.”
- Gallup
Three Ways to Create a Culture of Idea Sharing
Be open to each team member’s opinions and feedback.
Regularly contact others to get their opinions.
Provide feedback on opinions you solicited.
