12 Key Questions

These qustions arise out of the book First, Break All the Rules. Great questions to ask your employees and ultimately yourself to see if you are fully engaged and ready to be a high performer.

1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
2. Do I have the right materials and equipment I need to do my work right?
3. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
4. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for doing good work?
5. Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person?
6. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
7. At work, do my opinions seem to count?
8. Does the mission/purpose of my company make me feel my job is important?
9. Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work?
10. Do I have a best friend at work?
11. In the last six months, has someone at work talked to me about my progress?
12. This last year, have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow?

These questions all link to at least one of the four key business outcomes: Productivity, Profitability, Retention and Customer Satisfaction.

Tribal Leadership and Staff meetings

Clients often wonder if staff meetings are important. After all, in small business, employees could be doing so much more "productive" things. In reality, most research has indicated that employees or team members are most productive when certain basic social, emotional and intellectual needs are met. Questions such as: "Do I know what my job is? Do I have the tools I need to do my job well? Do I get regular feedback? Do I have a best friend at work? Do I have an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way?"

In the Gallup Organization book - First Break All the Rules http://gmj.gallup.com/content/1144/First-Break-All-Rules-Book-Center.aspx , this concept of needs is explored fully. So by allowing the group to come together in a controlled, tribal fashion, the power of the team focuses on growing the capacity of the team. I would encourage your business to have regular team meetings - but somewhat sparsely. They are as a client reminds me "like pearls, slowly built up over time - and precious as a result." Another great resource book is Tribal Leadership http://www.triballeadership.net/ which explores how leaders and tribes cause each other to grow.

So go ahead, plan a team meeting. With a clear agenda, a firm timeline and good participation, you will be pleased with the results, and so will your people.