What They Aren't Telling You

This is not a conspiracy theory piece. The "they" is your employees and you know they aren't telling you things. A good question to start is whether or not you need to know. Are they productive? Do they put out quality work on time or early? Are the advocates of the company and enjoy their work? If these are all yes, I want your staff and I want to work at your company! The idea is that todays employee is looking for some latitude in their work circumstances. People will find a way to exert control over their lives, either through positive acttivities that enhance their value to the company or through subversion. Example: One manager is able to set their schedule to allow periodic outside training that they fund themselves. They have brought back some great ideas and shared with learning with their staff. Another manager has had a hard time getting approval to deviate from the schedule because the company wants to be "fair" to everyone. That manager slides out for training and appointments without sharing their learning unless it furthers them specifically. It is important for the boss to explore ways to allow employees room to grow in spite of the usually rigid corporate structure and expectations. The more rigid the structure; the more creative the subversion of it. They aren't telling you everything, but a flexible manager hears more and enjoys the positvie results.