What do your references say?

I was thinking about how job applicants need to provide credible resources as an important consideration when applying for a job. Then I started to wonder what our clients say about us? Of course we all pay attention to how our guests feel about their experiences. We use feedback forms and assessment tools to determine how well our experience is received by our clients.

A new reference tool is needed.

I now wonder what do our staff feel about the work environment and the services we offer? Do they fully believe in the services we offer? Are front line staff aware of the quality of experience we offer for clients they do not interact with? Are our staff proud to tell people where they work? Are they happy to introduce the owners to friends and family?

Just think about it:
What do your staff think about your business, your products, your leadership style and your work environment?

Just do it:
Consider taking a few minutes to speak informally with staff about the things that matter most to you. Depending upon the culture of your work environment you may not get honest answers from interviews. Instead, consider implimenting an anonymous survey. Best to do this with a Web-based form.

If it comes down to not feeling you can communicate openly with your staff, you may have some answers to what you really want to know already. The next step is making the decision to do things differently.