D
DogToenails
Guest
What is the name of your state? IN
I've become a little concerned with the 'disconnect' that's grown with the regular staff over the course of a few years as a General Manager of a facility of approximately 65 people. There are two levels of management below me (Ops Mgr. & Dept. Supervisors). Because of this, I have no real contact with the staff. Occasionally, I'll get people coming in with problems, but only after its come to a head since they follow protocol of going to their direct reports first, then a manager, then me. That's if I'm lucky. Most often, I get hearsay second-hand and by then the problem may not be communicated correctly, or the scope appreciated. So I wanted to try something that I suspect has been tried before, however, I don't know how our HR would feel about it (if they found out). I don't want to approach them at the moment because they tend to be too cautious of this type of thing in my opinion and I don't want them to try to discourage me. So I'm asking you looking for an objective opinion or even better; experience with this. I want to offer the staff (encourage is more like it) a 'Vent Amnesty'. In other words, propose to all a one-on-one meeting with them where they are allowed to vent with a gaurantee of no consequences. Allow them to discuss any issues they have with anything at all, but steering them to more important issues like how their supervisors treat them (fairness, treatment parity, etc.), how they're evaluated, salary, conditions at work, and even their thoughts on me. I would ask them to only make it one-on-one (no groups), and of course be completely voluntary and confidential and I would tell them upfront, I won't solve any of their problems in the meeting. I won't even address them. I'll listen, take notes, then deal with anything I feel needs dealt with in a general sense. Their names would never be brought up except in cases where its unavoidable and I would tell them if that's the case right there. I think this would get good response as I am (I THINK I am) viewed as approachable, mild-mannered, and trustworthy (as far as keeping my word of not getting into trouble for saying anything). I'm particularly interesting on their thoughts on management. Anyway, does anyone have thoughts or experience with such a program? Did you see any problems with this or think of any pitfalls? Thanks for any insight or advice.
I've become a little concerned with the 'disconnect' that's grown with the regular staff over the course of a few years as a General Manager of a facility of approximately 65 people. There are two levels of management below me (Ops Mgr. & Dept. Supervisors). Because of this, I have no real contact with the staff. Occasionally, I'll get people coming in with problems, but only after its come to a head since they follow protocol of going to their direct reports first, then a manager, then me. That's if I'm lucky. Most often, I get hearsay second-hand and by then the problem may not be communicated correctly, or the scope appreciated. So I wanted to try something that I suspect has been tried before, however, I don't know how our HR would feel about it (if they found out). I don't want to approach them at the moment because they tend to be too cautious of this type of thing in my opinion and I don't want them to try to discourage me. So I'm asking you looking for an objective opinion or even better; experience with this. I want to offer the staff (encourage is more like it) a 'Vent Amnesty'. In other words, propose to all a one-on-one meeting with them where they are allowed to vent with a gaurantee of no consequences. Allow them to discuss any issues they have with anything at all, but steering them to more important issues like how their supervisors treat them (fairness, treatment parity, etc.), how they're evaluated, salary, conditions at work, and even their thoughts on me. I would ask them to only make it one-on-one (no groups), and of course be completely voluntary and confidential and I would tell them upfront, I won't solve any of their problems in the meeting. I won't even address them. I'll listen, take notes, then deal with anything I feel needs dealt with in a general sense. Their names would never be brought up except in cases where its unavoidable and I would tell them if that's the case right there. I think this would get good response as I am (I THINK I am) viewed as approachable, mild-mannered, and trustworthy (as far as keeping my word of not getting into trouble for saying anything). I'm particularly interesting on their thoughts on management. Anyway, does anyone have thoughts or experience with such a program? Did you see any problems with this or think of any pitfalls? Thanks for any insight or advice.