Get People to Share Ideas, Energize & Entreprenurize!

In today’s incredibly competitive work world, we need to tap into the resources, ideas, and knowledge of the people around us.  Research indicates that many of the greatest ideas do not come from the headquarters of an organization, but from the “front lines.” Front line staff members are the closest to the problems, issues, and challenges.  They are the people who know the “nuts and bolts” and how things really work inside organizations. Without this information and perspective organizations can become stale, lose their competitive edge, and ultimately become extinct. 

The key question is: Are people around you sharing their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives?  Have you created an environment in which people feel as if they can? One sign this may not be happening to the extent it needs to is, if after you uncover a problem, you find yourself saying, “If only I had known.”  Often the answers to many of our issues and problems exist; unfortunately, sometimes we don’t find out in time or we don’t find out at all.

Sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking we are usually hearing most of the ideas and opportunities around us. But, just consider how often you have seen other people (and maybe even yourself) not express their ideas because they rationalize no one cares or it won’t do any good? Therefore, it is only logical to consider that others might be doing this with you.   Unfortunately, sometimes we train and condition people not to share their ideas with us.  How and why does this happen?  

We tell people we want to hear their ideas and opportunities, but when they do share we may debate them or we may not take the time to really hear. We may be rushed or only partly listening. Consequently, the next time we ask for feedback and ideas, that person probably won’t be willing to share because they anticipate another negative response. In effect, we train and condition people not to be honest and open with their ideas and opportunities.

Even organizations as a whole, can unknowingly encourage people to stop sharing their ideas. For example, sometimes organizations give employee surveys and then don’t provide feedback for months, if at all.  In some cases, there is no feedback on specific actions the organization will take to make improvements. The employees conclude that sharing feedback and ideas won’t do any good and is a waste of time.
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The good news is there are some easy keys that you can implement that should help.  This may seem basic but are often not done or at least to the extent that they could.  Please read each one in detail and challenge yourself by asking, “On a scale from 1 to 10 how well do I do this?  What could I do to improve my rating?” 

1. Ask people for their ideas.  This seems obvious, but often employees complain that no one asks them – and they are too timid to offer.  The key is to constantly ask people for their ideas and ask them in a variety of settings.  Ask people in official meetings, ad-hoc and random meetings, and in one-on-one conversations.  Some people are more comfortable in one setting as opposed to another. If you keep asking them in different ways and in different situations they eventually will.  Their ideas may lead to new opportunities for the organization.  And, if employees feel their ideas have made a difference, they will be more likely to start to offer new ideas without asking.  Some organizations even make it a requirement, set goals and create metrics for receiving ideas. If you do this make sure it is for quantity of ideas, not quality. Remember, through quantity, you usually will get the quality. Plus, you may hear some crazy, radical ideas.   Those radical ideas, as history has shown, could turn out to be groundbreaking.

2. Appreciate all ideas.  Take all ideas seriously, regardless of what you’re thinking and feeling.  Don’t dismiss any idea or justify why something will not work to quickly. Ideas that seem crazy or off base at first could turn out to be the golden idea later.  Sometimes with a little tweaking, it might be the perfect idea to help you now.  You may not be able to use all or even most of the ideas, but be careful how you respond.  Be very aware of your facial gestures, body language, voice tone and words.  All should be open, appreciative and reflect a serious, “Your input is valued” response.  At least say thank you and let them know that you appreciate their ideas.   Appreciating people for sharing ideas sends the message to keep them coming.

3. Credit the creator of the idea. This may seem obvious, but I have had many participants in my seminars share how upset and disillusioned they have become because someone stole their idea and took credit. Make sure you give credit to the originator of the idea when you put it to use, even if you have evolved or altered it slightly.  This is critical for maintaining trust and creativity in an organization.  This encourages free flow of ideas because it lets people know that sharing ideas and opportunities is not a waste of time. Instead, it is a valuable resource. It makes a statement that idea sharing is rewarded and acknowledged in the organization. Make sure you understand how the originator wants to be credited.  Some people prefer public praise; some prefer private acknowledgement.  Either way, make sure credit is given to the originator as soon as possible.

How did you do in each of these keys on a scale from 1 to 10? Hopefully you see where you can improve to help solicit ideas and opportunities within an organization.  Getting people to share openly and honestly their ideas is an always improving, never-ending process.  When we create an environment where people want to share their ideas, we all reap the rewards!

Are you where you thought you would be as the new year begins?
Have you put off changes that you need to make?
Are there people zapping your energy and robbing you of what you could achieve? 

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, here are 9 crucial actions that can help ensure that 2010 will be a great year for you. These actions can put your life on a different path. It’s like flipping the switch on a train track — the initial change is minimal, but down the line the difference can be enormous. 

1. Distance yourself from the dream crushers, naysayers, and negative influences. Just like we are what we eat, we are a product of the people we spend time with and the information we take in. Who are you surrounding yourself with? What are you reading? How much are you dwelling on negative news stories?  I am not suggesting that we put our heads in the sand. I am suggesting that we fill our minds with the influences that empower us.  Take the time to clean house.

2. Let go of the garbage that you are carrying. Reach out to someone you have written off (but still think about), or to someone you’ve given up on or had some problem with. Talk to that person and do what it takes (legally of course) to reach some sort of resolution and put the situation behind you. Ask the other person, “What would it take for us to put this behind us?” Their input can help you create a solution that works for everyone. By reaching out and having a conversation, you are extending the olive branch. This can create a new beginning and trigger conversations and events that can ultimately change your life. Remember: forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Make 2010 the year you give that gift. (For more information on our 7-step procedure on how to forgive and let go of anything, check out the corresponding chapter in Honesty Works: Real-World Solutions to Common Problems at Work and Home.)

3. Live 2010 with a long-term perspective. Ask yourself these questions: “When I am 90 years old and I look back at 2010, what do I want to say happened? What do I want to say that I accomplished?”  Be clear and honest with yourself about what is important to you in your relationships, in your job, and in your life. This might sound simple, but sadly many people drift year after year and let time pass by without really figuring out what is most important to them. Remember, time is one commodity we can never replenish. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. When you are not sure what to do, think about what your ninety-year-old self would tell you to do in 2010. Then take action. 

4. Stop negotiating things that are not negotiable. Are you suffering because you are being flexible and letting go of your standards and principles that are important to you? Decide what is negotiable vs. what is really not negotiable to you. If you are not clear, how can others be. Then let others know and take a stand. Many people get inspired when boundaries are set because clarity gives them power to focus their time and energy on areas of flexibility. 
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If you’re looking for a way to jumpstart the new year, consider “THE WHOLE ENCHILADA” package from The Steven Gaffney Company success store. 

This premium package includes Steven Gaffney’s products and is the optimum way to learn Steven’s honest communication strategies. This package includes Steven Gaffney’s books, CDs, audio seminar, calendar and sticky note products, and most importantly, The Steven Gaffney Company’s expert coaching – all for the INTERNET DISCOUNT price of $595, over $100 in savings from the retail price of all the products and coaching sold individually.  Click here for more details… 
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5. Find out what the important people in your life want and manage expectation.  You can use this question as a starter: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate our relationship?” (Or “this project,” or “my effectiveness in this job.”) Listen to their answer, and then ask, “What would it take to make it a 10?” For extra credit, ask, “What would it take to make it a 15 — above and beyond expectations?” Be ready for an interesting and — hopefully — helpful response. The next step (and this is important) is to manage their expectations. I have found that people, groups, and organizations don’t often get the credit they deserve because they don’t adequately manage other people’s expectations of what can and cannot be accomplished. 

6. Appreciate five really important people in your life that you might have neglected. Sometimes we take for granted the people who are important to us.  Take time to really let them know how much you appreciate them.  After all, I have never met anyone who has left a company or wanted a divorce because they were appreciated too much.

7. Commit to changing at least one behavior and being accountable in a public way. What behavior of yours do you really want to change? What if I were going to give you a billion dollars to change it? What if your life depended on making this change? The truth is that if you really want to achieve this change, you will. So set up an accountability and consequence to insure you will make that change. For example, if you find yourself repeatedly complaining about a particular issue and you want to stop being so negative, tell five people you are going to stop complaining about the issue. Every time you complain about it, give them each a dollar. Or if you really want to commit to being home by a certain time, tell your significant other that if you don’t make it on time, you will grant any wish or pay for a nice dinner of their choice. The point here is to send a message that your promises are not empty and you are committed to changing the behavior. Being accountable is one of the most important ingredients in lasting change.

8. Decide on your number-one goal and create a plan to achieve it. Make sure your goal is measurable and that there is a deadline for completion. You might think this is simple — and it is — but people often neglect to set clear goals or create so many they don’t accomplish any. I see this frequently with organizations that have so many goals, people don’t know which ones to focus on. The result is the try to focus on many and often achieve little. Remember confusion causes delay and often failure. Clarity and focus gives us power and inspiration to achieve. 

9.Look out for one another. When I was growing up, I often sat alone at lunch — not because I wanted to, but because I did not know how to reach out and ask for help.  Just because someone is alone and doesn’t ask for help doesn’t mean they really don’t want help. Maybe they have a hard time asking for help, or maybe they are embarrassed that they need help, or maybe they think no one would help them even if they asked. So reach out and make someone’s day… or year! 
 
Regrets can plague us for the rest of our lives, but they don’t have to. Seize the moment and make sure that 2010 is your best year ever. After all, you deserve it.

If you need help or assistance, let me know.

Please share this article with others as a gift to help make their 2010 all it should be.