The Top 10 Things to Have Each Manager's Employee Answer

In their book, "Now, Discover Your Strengths," Buckingham and Clifton propose some exciting new ways of working. Because managing is so multifaceted, they suggest measuring the outcomes of a productive work environment and holding each manager accountable for creating these outcomes in the way they work best, according to their individual style. They propose the following list (condensed from 12, to 10) to ask of each manager's employees. When worded exactly this way, they say, "they predict employee turnover, productivity, profitability, and customer loyalty. Asked twice a year, they provide the most robust and most relevant measure of a manager's impact on his or her employees" yet they do not dictate the manager's means to this end.

1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?

2. Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work properly?

3. At work do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?

4. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for good work?

5. Does my supervisor or someone at work seem to care about me as a person?

6. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?

In the last six months have I talked with someone about my progress?

This last year have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow?

7. At work do my opinions seem to count?

8. Are my coworkers committed to doing quality work?

9. Do I have a best friend at work?

10. Does the mission of my company make me feel like my work is important?

This piece was originally submitted by Susan Dunn, M.A., Clinical Psychology, Certified Tele-class Instructor, Momentum Coaching, bringing EQ to the work world through coaching, online tutorials and tele-classes, who can be reached at sdunn@susandunn.cc or visited on the web. Susan Dunn wants you to know: EQ may be as much as 4 times as important to your success and happiness as IQ, and I can coach you to improve your EQ. I also offer e-courses, online courses and tele-classes. Email me for free e-zine.