Being In The "Know"

Communication, by nature, must be two way. If you are sending out a message but it is not received, there is no communication. You, as an executive or manager, have to take special care to make sure that when your employees have a message for you, that you're ready, willing and available to receive it. Now more than ever you must be in tune with what is going on in your business.

The act of listening is easily overlooked when you get caught up in day to day activities and spend your communication time talking to employees. But this is only half the equation. After all, since you already know what you have to say, a key goal is to listen to what your employees have to say back. At a minimum you'll find that simply listening to an employee can make him or her feel much more important. When you ask an employee, "How are you today?" or, "What do you think?" listen to the answer.

Having Executive Interviews is an excellent way to learn what your employees have to say. An Executive Interview program provides a scheduled opportunity for you to ask questions and collect information while assuring employees that they have the opportunity to express their feelings and concerns on a regular basis. When employees know that a specific amount of time has been set aside by the executive or manager to talk about anything they choose, it can be very empowering and make employees feel important and valuable.

Executive Interviews are usually conducted periodically, such as once a year, with every employee in the organization. The interviews are not designed to allow employees to circumvent the chain of command, but only to ensure an open, free flow of communication.

Employees should know in advance that the Executive Interview is totally confidential. They should also know that the interview does not guarantee every concern raised will be resolved or that an employee will always get what he or she is looking for. But they can be assured that you will give your attention and a response to their concerns. (It is often best not to provide an instant response, but to take time to research the situation and get all the facts first.)

The Executive Interview is normally scheduled well in advance so the employee has time to collect his or her thoughts. It is held in a location where the conversation will not be overheard. They are often held outside the work location because employees will speak more freely. Plan for 30 to 45 minutes for each Executive Interview.

Executive Interview Format