CNN Money has just reported that managers that encourage loyal opposition can better avoid corporate disaster.
Nowadays, especially with the state of our economy, it is easy to fall into a yes-man culture, especially since many more workers feel insecure about their jobs.
Many employees are afraid to give their bosses bad news. They would be saying no to their superior and many feel like they could be risking their job.
The dilemma they face is do they divulge particular information to their bosses even if it is undesirable to do so. The answer according to Menlo CEO Rich Sheridan is yes.
Sheridan suggests that companies that foster this new type of “open” relationship enjoy better decision-making, more ethical behavior and the ability to truly harness the collective brainpower of the workforce.
“My job is to say, ‘Thank you for letting me know’ not ‘I need you to work an extra 10 hours tonight, ‘” affirms Lisa Ho, 26, a Menlo project manager. “Sometimes it’s hard to do because we have this deadline we’re trying to meet. But I respect them for telling me and as long as we’re very transparent…I can call the client.”
An example of how other companies are beginning to implement this type of “open” environment can be seen through Grand Circle Corps a travel and cruise company. Their employees are graded on their open communication. During a monthly meeting, executives answer staff questions for half an hour, and the people who ask outstanding questions are recognized in the company’s newsletter.
Alan Lewis, Grand Circle CEO, confirms, “The reason you want your employees to raise hot issues is that’s where you’ll learn about bottlenecks…You’ll see where you have organizational issues.
Do you think your company encourages this type of “open” environment ?
Back by popular demand, we’ve brought back your questions answered by Dr. Matsumoto. Our most recent question and answer series was in February 2011.