If you’re a people leader, do you know that the journey (the effort and collaboration) is just as important as the destination (the goal)?  How people experience work matters.

We all know the contract with the workforce has changed.  Attraction and retention are hot topics because what used to work, doesn’t necessarily work the way it used to. Some industries have been hit harder than others, but everyone is affected.

So, we’ve been given this great opportunity to rethink how we work together and it’s on us to re-write the contract together.  So many leaders say they need an engaged workforce. It’s not rocket science! You start with knowing the employee’s real experience.

And what is that? In particular, what’s it like with to work with you and your team?

Have you personally asked your team members any of these questions and engaged in a robust conversation around them?

1. What’s it like for you to work here?
2. What do you like most about working here? What do you like least?
3. What are you most proud of this year?
4. At the end of any given day, how do you feel about the work you’ve done?
5. How do I demonstrate to you that you and your contributions are valued and not taken for granted?
6. How are we making it easier or harder for you to do your job?
7. What future do you see for yourself here?
8. What‘s a high priority for you right now?
9. What would you like to learn more about?
10. How can I help you? How can I better support you?

These are open-ended questions to facilitate real discussion. If you’re in a business that requires people to run it (and most of us are), how can you not do this?

Don’t wait for a survey! Don’t assume! Ask! Listen! Figure it out together!