Solving the Listening Problem

Management consultants tell us that we must do a better job of listening to our employees. They feel that employees  have a better handle on what customers are saying or thinking.  They emphasize listening  actively rather than passively.  Managers should drop what they are doing and pay attention.

When reviewing these findings with managers they say it sounds good but in the real world it is not practical.  They believe they are too busy putting out fires and meeting due dates and supervising employees.  There is of course a good amount of truth to what they are saying.

We have given much thought to this and believe we have a solution that will work for managers and employees.   We are ordering 50 suggestion boxes that will be placed near copy machines, rest rooms, cafeterias, and  water fountains.  To distinguish between other boxes, waste baskets, etc.  they will be distinctive. They will be painted red.

Employees should type their suggestions---preferably double spaced---and leave them in the convenient suggestion boxes.  There is one caveat:  If your suggestions  go beyond one page do not use staples or paper clips.  This causes problems for our paper shredder.

(An added thought from our environmental group: Do not use colored paper. Some colors are not bio-degradable.)