By far, the single most important aspect is the personal interaction with the hourly employee is in “Their Comfort Zone” (e.g. their work area). Come to them on their terms, watch and absorb , don’t judge. Take off the “Production Hat” and become human for an instant. Watch the work task being performed in it’s true and unfettered conclusion, make mental notes on:
- how can this task be performed easier and safer,
- What are the conditions it is being performed in?
- Can I make them better, simpler, safer.
Remember YOUR direct reports answer to you, OR do they. You are accountable to those whom report to you!!!! Managers manage, but Leaders Lead. Have a conversation NOT AN ENGAGEMENT!!! Find out what the employee’s perspective is and what they think might be a better method; you might be surprised that there is a pretty talented work force out there that has no voice. They often times do NOT feel their time, effort, and/or opinion is valued. SHOW THEM THEY ARE WRONG. WALK the talk by making a difference in their lives because you want to – not beacuse you have to. Be their voice.