A great idea is not defined by its source. An idea worthy of consideration depends entirely on the quality of the idea. Yet, in many organizations, the ideas of inexperienced or junior colleagues go unnoticed or are never heard in the first place.
A message box, open door policy, passing it up the chain of command, etc.. are all logical ideas. My experience is generally things are the way they are for reasons. Generally, lower level employees aren't in the know. Hence the importance of asking the next level up, when you have a question. If they don't know, go to the next level, etc... (aka following the chain of command). What's important is we encourage people to speak up, and reward the hell out of them when their idea/s work. Whether the idea is futile or not; we treat them with respect.
And the notion that an anonymous suggestion box is the best practice is also that for a reason. Usually a reason that shows corporate communication needs to provide for anonymity. It is likely a sign that organizational dialogue isn't mature.
There is a great martial arts reference to this concept about the “Master vs. the Beginner.” The Master is dangerous because he has spent years perfecting his art, learning what works and what doesn’t. On the other hand, the beginner does not yet know what “doesn’t work” and can, therefore, employ unexpected strategies with devastating effects. Everything evolves, so we must continually revisit the beginner’s mindset to question our assumptions.
Play the recording for our 15 minute discussion on this topic here:
https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1yoKMZylPZoGQ
Anyone have a great example of what a public suggestion bow might look like?
A message box, open door policy, passing it up the chain of command, etc.. are all logical ideas. My experience is generally things are the way they are for reasons. Generally, lower level employees aren't in the know. Hence the importance of asking the next level up, when you have a question. If they don't know, go to the next level, etc... (aka following the chain of command). What's important is we encourage people to speak up, and reward the hell out of them when their idea/s work. Whether the idea is futile or not; we treat them with respect.
Thanks for your time.
Right, Joe.
And the notion that an anonymous suggestion box is the best practice is also that for a reason. Usually a reason that shows corporate communication needs to provide for anonymity. It is likely a sign that organizational dialogue isn't mature.
Thank YOU for your time.
Yes, always enjoy hearing your perspective, Joe.
Have you seen a great example of an organization who does this in a unique or especially effective way?
Message the most junior person in your team and ask them what they think.
They may not have 20 years of experience but they do have a freshness that can breathe new life into your team.
Exactly.
Besides the cultural impact it has... there are plenty of reasons to give ample room for the fresh, uninitiated perspectives.
Have you seen many leaders who do this in meetings consistently, Martin?
A few. I think it could be done a lot more though.
There is a great martial arts reference to this concept about the “Master vs. the Beginner.” The Master is dangerous because he has spent years perfecting his art, learning what works and what doesn’t. On the other hand, the beginner does not yet know what “doesn’t work” and can, therefore, employ unexpected strategies with devastating effects. Everything evolves, so we must continually revisit the beginner’s mindset to question our assumptions.
Thanks for the reminder!