Can You Handle the Truth?

Yesterday, we shared the story of Ted, a successful seller working for a successful company – yet he was unhappy. It wasn’t the money, it wasn’t the work, it was the culture. With no guarantee, this successful seller decided to change companies.

What would you do if one of your best sellers decided to leave? Do you know if you’re in any danger?

Gallup Organization has isolated the 12 characteristics of a strong workplace as seen through the eyes of the most successful and productive employees. These 12 questions should be used as an initial measuring stick to determine how you’re doing. Here are the first four questions:

Do I know what is expected of me at work?

Do I have the equipment and material I need to do my work right?

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

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

Talk about ignoring conventional wisdom — there’s not a single question in the 12 that has to do with compensation, benefits or vacation time.

It’s no secret that companies where employees can answer the 12 questions in the affirmative dramatically outperform – not only in retention and job satisfaction, but also in productivity, revenue growth and profitability. This is important stuff.

Do your employees love what they are doing, and where they are doing it? If not, you’re in danger of losing them. Are you willing to ask the 12 questions? We created a PDF of all 12 questions, email me and we’ll be happy to share.