Rule #1: First, Give Credit for Thinking

In these fast-paced, complex times, many organizations advocate increasing employee engagement. Some try to measure it and post a score. Unfortunately, many give it lip service without changing how they operate. There is a simple method of innovative thinking for leaders that is easily learned and guaranteed to work. The key is whenever an employee shares any thought with you (an idea, gripe, suggestion, question), the first thing to do is give the person credit for thinking. Say, “I’m really glad you’re thinking.” It doesn’t matter WHAT they’re thinking; it’s most important that they ARE thinking.

You should want your employees to be thinking all the time. They know more about your business than any outside guru or expert. Once you give credit for thinking, the next step is easy. You can turn your attention to learning more by asking, “tell me more,” “what do you mean?,” “let me build on that,” “ I’ll get back to you,” “go ahead,” or words like that.