Wide open spaces = invisible shock fence

invisible-dog-fence.gif

Well, not exactly.  What we’re saying is, you want your team’s feedback, but you also need boundaries. An open and honest environment doesn’t mean free rein or endless gripe sessions.  Clearly outline appropriate times, topics, and behavior for productive conversations.

Manager: “Hey team, I know the new software is making our calls take longer.  Let’s spend 10 minutes listing all the things that are driving us crazy, then talk about some solutions.” 

ProTip: When they share a concern, write it on a whiteboard or flipchart.  It helps them feel heard.