Today, Jody and I answer a listener question. Our anonymous listener asks, “When gauging employee satisfaction, is it better to focus on the positives or negatives? Do you look at what’s going right or what’s not going right?” The answer goes beyond what is right or wrong. Get to know your team, and build trust so they will answer honestly either way. You want them to communicate without fear and feel like they can tell you anything. An employee should never have to think about if they should or shouldn’t say something to their boss. Your team doesn’t work for you, they work with you. When everyone is in their spot, the team can function reliably with everyone doing their part. Once you get to this place, people feel secure and look forward to working with you. Where there is no trust, people withhold information. You are paying people for their opinion and expertise. Cultivate an environment where they can give you what you need. Don’t be afraid to rethink the basics. Be careful and don’t start to view yourself as a big deal. The minute you want to be important, your results are diminished immediately. If you want to create this type of environment, do it by building comfort and security. Set clear expectations. Invite feedback. Spend time with your team. Let them know what is in it for them and what you need from them to get them there. Openness is the name of the game if you want to have trust. If you want to work with a team you can trust for satisfaction, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694. Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader