The gnashing and grinding of the gears of a business. We would all love a well-oiled machine, smoothly operating except for planned downtimes to retool and refresh. It’s not a reality for our machines and is certainly not an expectation we can have for the people in our organization. What we can do is provide resources to do the work, an energizing environment and great management. The vision and purpose for the organization is the work of the leader. Is it reflected in your business?
Here are some questions to ask:
- Does the team know and understand the vision and purpose?
- Do team members know how their role contributes?
- Do they have the resources to deliver on these expectations?
- Are team members in roles that utilize their strengths?
- Are employees respected and acknowledged for their contributions?
- Is the business positioned for growth, providing employees the opportunity to do the same?
These are just a few of the types of questions that go into understanding employee engagement and the strength of management. Management and leadership are different roles and for many small businesses the owner wears both hats. Survey employees and let them answer. The insight gained will reflect on leadership and management and will begin the process of identifying who wants to be part of that well-oiled machine!
Do you know the answers? Are you brave enough to ask?