Main Idea
How far should a serving leader go to please their employees? What do your employees want? When was the last time you asked them if their needs were being met? Happy employees are more productive, profitable, employees.
Expansion of Idea
The majority of leaders in companies feel like the employees should be serving the leader’s needs. After all, you’re the boss, right? Well, it’s been proven that companies that align the needs of their employees with the company’s needs have a better retention rate of both employees and customers than those companies that do not. Southwest Airlines has shown this continually by putting their workers first. Employees of the airline are given freedom to work in groups without supervision, and their personal uniqueness and sense of humor is highly valued. Because of this, the airline has been profitable every year since 1972. They have also received numerous awards on the quality of their customer service. Happy employees make happy customers. By focusing on the employees and their needs, the company has helped cement customer loyalty.
What do your people want? Every person, regardless of position, wants to be valued and to have their voice heard. Maybe a certain strength, passion, or talent is being left untapped. There could be many simple ways to meet your employee’s needs that could improve your company culture, but you won’t know for sure how well you are doing so unless you ask them.
Start by Asking Yourself these Questions:
How often do you ask if employee’s needs are being met?
Do your employees have the tools they need to do the job?
Do your employees have the training they need to do the job?