Business I career coach

0

n Aug. 9, 1966, I learned a valuable
lesson that has been extremely
helpful to me over the years. It
happened while I was sitting inside the hos-
pital waiting for the birth of my first child.
The chief of obstetrics, the late Dr.
David Feld, had a booming voice and an
impressive manner both inside and out-
side of the delivery room. I overheard his
conversations with residents and nurses.
During this time, the nurses and residents
asked him questions and one of them
made a suggestion.
I don't recall what exactly the sugges-
tion was, but I remember Dr. Feld's reply
because it has stuck with me throughout
my life. He said, "Yes. Good idea. Did you
ever look at it this way?"
By not saying "no,"Dr. Feld energized the
nurses and residents to think, bring things
to his attention and grow in their respective
jobs. Over my years in business, I've discov-
ered that "no" is the worst word you can use
when addressing an employee who takes

the time to offer a suggestion or ask a ques-
responsible — whether you own it or are a
tion. By saying "no," you will diminish an
piece of the senior leadership management
employee's worth. What's more, you will pre-
team.
vent yourself from hearing another person's
By not saying "no," you are being open-
perspective on how the business is running.
minded and showing employees that your
There is a different, and more effective,
office door really is open. This is so critical
way of doing things. You should try listen-
a skill in today's business world that has
ing to employee suggestions and
so many leaders who say their
using them to find new, mean-
doors are open yet don't listen
ingful ways to improve business
well and are easily threatened
operations. Not only will this
when a challenge arises by
type of leadership yield continu-
someone beneath them on the
ous and valuable suggestions,
corporate ladder.
it will also increase morale and
When you open your mind
retention of workers who feel
and listen to your employees' sug-
they are valued and are being
gestions and concerns, you will
li
listened to.
be amazed at the improvement
Rob ert Sher
Since you can't be everywhere
you will witness in employee
Col umnist
and see everything all by your-
involvement and self-confidence.
self, it is critical you encourage
Perhaps your employees will
employees to bring suggestions, informa-
want to devote more time and energy to your
tion and opinions to you. This will be help-
team — not run away from it for a better job
ful to your employees' growth as well as
somewhere else. They will feel valued ... and
to you and the business for which you are
who doesn't want to feel important?

The truth is, as business leaders, we need
all the help we can get. Asking for — and
welcoming — suggestions will only lead
to finding better ways of doing things
and, ultimately, better ways of making the
customers happy. It is a win-win for the
employee, the customer and your business.
If you want a happy and more productive
workplace, access the wisdom and experi-
ence of your group. Getting employees'
ideas is necessary if your business is going
to remain competitive in today's business
climate. Open your executive doors and
open your mind and you will create a more
productive and satisfying work environ-
ment for your entire team. 71_,

Robert Sher, CPA, is a Certified Executive
Coach. Formerly CFO and partner for Schostak
Brothers & Company, he now serves on the

West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees

and is treasurer of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants Foundation. His
e-mail address is: info@bobshercom.

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