6 Mistakes Executives Make in their Career Transitions

Recent studies have shown that the vast majority of employees feel their voices are not being heard in the workplace. In fact, a staggering 86% of employees believe that people at their organization are not heard, while another survey revealed that 60% of employees believe their views and opinions are simply ignored.

As a leadership executive coach, I know that being heard is one of the most important things for employees, and it should be a top priority for leaders. Therefore, I’ve identified seven proven strategies that can help you, as a leader, create the kind of culture where your employees feel heard and respected.

Cultivate Psychological Safety: Establish a workplace where team members feel safe to express thoughts and ideas without fear of reprisal or ridicule. A culture of psychological safety encourages risk-taking and honest feedback, which are crucial for continuous improvement and innovation.

Open Multiple Feedback Channels: Provide various ways for employees to share their feedback, whether through surveys, open forums, suggestion boxes, or one-on-one meetings. Offering multiple channels acknowledges diverse communication preferences and increases participation.

Solicit Input Proactively: Don’t wait for feedback; ask for it. Regularly engage with your team to solicit their ideas and perspectives. This proactive approach shows that you value their input and are keen on incorporating their insights into decision-making processes.

Take Action on Feedback: Listening is just the first step; acting on the feedback is crucial. Show your team that their input has real implications by implementing changes based on their suggestions. This not only improves the workplace but also reinforces the value of their contributions.

Acknowledge and Reward Contributions: Recognize employees who offer useful feedback and contribute positively to the team. Whether through public acknowledgment, rewards, or career advancement opportunities, showing appreciation can significantly boost morale and encourage further participation.

Foster Positive Collaboration: Ensure that collaborative efforts are positive and productive. Facilitate teamwork that allows for open exchange and values each member’s contribution. A positive collaborative environment makes everyone feel included and important.

Practice Active Listening: Be present and engaged during conversations. Show genuine interest in what your employees have to say by asking clarifying questions and summarizing their points. Demonstrating active listening affirms that you value their input and understand their perspectives.

By implementing these seven strategies, you’ll cultivate an environment where your employees feel heard, respected, and empowered to contribute to the success of your organization. Remember, when your team knows their voices matter, they’ll be inspired to go above and beyond.

Lead From Within: Truly hearing your employees is the foundation of transformative leadership that will have great impact.

Written by:  Lolly Daskal, one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in the world, and founder and CEO of Lead From Within, for the Lolly Daskal Blog.