In today’s world, there’s no shortage of goods. Therefore, with the vast expansion of distribution and technology, focus in the business world has shifted to generating and implementing innovative, profitable ideas. Companies are realizing employees at all levels should be encouraged
In today’s world, there’s no shortage of goods. Therefore, with the vast expansion of distribution and technology, focus in the business world has shifted to generating and implementing innovative, profitable ideas. Companies are realizing employees at all levels should be encouraged to voice ideas because of possible benefits for the company. Consequently, the importance of employees and supervisors exchanging ideas has never been greater.
Who Has the Best Ideas?
Which level of employees produce the best ideas? Liquid Paper was created by a secretary, Bette Nesmith Graham. Arthur Fry, a student, developed the idea of the Post-it Note. A cotton pollinator, Sally Fox, created naturally colored cotton. With evidence such as this, the past assumption that upper-level management and executives are the only ones with the good ideas is quickly disappearing. In a market such as today’s, companies are doing whatever they can to stay afloat and profit. So who really has the best ideas? Teams. And which teams produce the best ideas? Teams of people that exchange ideas often.
A team of people relying on one another in a focused, positive way is often unstoppable. Even a team of two is often better than a single. So an employee and a supervisor working together and exchanging ideas frequently can result in success. Most big successes are the result of a team. The Wright brothers had only drive, enthusiasm and a $2,000 budget, but they achieved flight. Thomas Edison had two business partners when he created his invention laboratory that eventually led to the creation of the light bulb. Steve Jobs was co-founder of Apple along with Steve Wozniak. These are just a few examples that show few can achieve anything substantial alone.
In addition to the clear benefits of exchanging ideas already discussed, communication between employees and supervisors is positive for deeper reasons. Companies across the nation are accepting the research-supported notion that happy employees are more productive and profitable. According to Gallup Business Journal, “employees who have a close relationship with their manager are more than 2.5 times more likely to be satisfied with their job”. Those who feel respected and cared for by their bosses are happier and thus, a greater asset to their company. Therefore, exchanging ideas not only produces more profits for the company by simply producing innovative ideas, but also by creating and sustaining positive relationships.
Positive Workplace Environment
So what happens once the employee builds a caring, respectful relationship with her supervisor? No surprise — other employees then model this behavior with their work colleagues, creating an overall positive workplace environment. Anyone who’s ever had an office job will most likely agree that a positive environment is better than a negative one. A pleasant environment creates a feeling of security, enthusiasm and synergy. Employees will model the exchange of ideas they experience with their supervisor with their colleagues as well. This creates a team all working together toward the purpose of growing the company they are happy and excited to work for.
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