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On the Fly Article Archives
Asking Scary Questions Letting our employees evaluate us is scary! None of us like to be judged. Besides, employees are supposed to be subordinates. We're supposed to get to judge them. None the less, most of my clients know I think it's worth it. The information you can glean from your staff can not only help you be a better boss, it can help your bottom line. Rich Keller, Co-Owner of Carpet Etc. Carpet One® in Newport, Oregon, told me, "When you brought the idea up, it peaked our interest." His partner, Jeff Norman, added, "We always wondered what they really think; are they just working here as a job?" So, I provided the reNvision Supervisory Assessment tool and assured confidentiality. The staff was asked to grade the supervisors in 33 areas on a 1-5 scale (5 being high) and turn their responses in to me. "We got some pretty blank looks, but the secure vote made them more honest," Rich recalled. One employee, Russell Clark, had participated in supervisory assessments before. "I immediately thought of this corporate hotel I worked for once. It never seemed to do any good and it seemed like a waste of time," he said. That's because it's scary! When I met with management to review their summarized results, they were nervous with anticipation. Their overall grades were very good. However, anything less hurts. "I was surprised we didn't get more 5's," Jeff noted. I cautioned them not to be defensive, but instead to keep their focus on the improvement and efficient running of the business. The employees were providing valuable input. I told them the next step was to share the results with their staff, which they did to my delight. (Most of my clients are too scared to do that!) They even put in writng what they planned to do about it. "I've certainly seen a rise in communication," said Russell about the aftermath. "I think it did a lot of good." Yes, it's scary. Be brave - it's worth it. Chris Waugh owns reNvision, Inc., and works with business professionals who want to learn to succeed on the fly. The author of several books, including 'Flying by the Seat of Your Pants,' she blends years of business management experience with her hang glider's perspective on change. Visit www.reNvision.com to find out more. Rights to reprint and reproduce the above article are granted as long as the reprint includes the full last paragraph and tagline complete with website information. We would appreciate an electronic copy or tear sheet.
© 2008 by reNvision, Inc. 
reNvision, Inc.Toll-Free Number: (877) 340-8483 Direct Telephone Number: (541) 270-0399 Email: chriswaugh@reNvision.com Mailing Address: 2226 North Coast Hwy #3 Newport, OR 97365, USA
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