Capitalize on the Power of Suggestion

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Additionally, a senior-level "champion" should consistently reinforce the organization's commitment, sustain employee enthusiasm and participation, distribute rewards, and publicize successes.

Important: If employees perceive a disconnect between your organization's work environment and the very existence of a suggestion program, your credibility - as well as their job satisfaction - will suffer. The success and integrity of your initiative, therefore, depend upon your ability to foster an atmosphere that embraces innovation and a participative management style. This could mean a major culture shift for many companies.

Train managers and reduce their anxiety about the initiative.

Managers should not only be informed of the program's guidelines, but also coached on how to incorporate it into their day-to-day supervisory activities. Staff meetings are an especially valuable opportunity for bolstering interest and participation and - better yet - brainstorming as a department.

While training in facilitation, coaching, and team building skills will certainly prove useful, you also need to reassure managers that helping their staff "shine" will not in any way work against them. Performance appraisals should certainly evaluate managers on their ability to foster employee creativity, but recognizing and rewarding their efforts outside of this administrative context is the ultimate confidence booster.

Educate employees and continuously promote the program.

Distribute materials that clearly explain the goals, procedures, and personal and organizational benefits of the initiative. Also provide tools and training to enhance the creativity and problem solving abilities of your workforce.

Use posters, payroll stuffers, newsletters, and the corporate intranet to constantly remind employees about the program. Demonstrate the critical role that employees play in the success of your organization by publicizing the business impact of past suggestions.

While program participation can obviously be quite lucrative, management recognition seems to be an even more powerful motivator. Formal ceremonies during which personalized plaques or trophies are awarded by senior management, for example, have a tremendous influence on workplace morale. Importantly, the positive effects of such activities are not limited to reward recipients; rather, they inspire all employees to take ownership of their work, proactively explore ways to enhance business operations, and confidently offer their own ideas for improvement.

Promptly acknowledge all suggestions and keep contributors "in the loop."

The program administrator should thank the participant in writing for his or her suggestion within two business days of its

The copyright of the article Capitalize on the Power of Suggestion in Human Resources is owned by Christina Morfeld. Permission to republish Capitalize on the Power of Suggestion in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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