It wasn’t that long ago that a road trip required a paper map, if you were really cool, you obtained the whole travel folder from AAA. A high school research paper demanded a trip to the library, where the card catalog was utilized to hunt for the needed materials, and then one would spend hours trying to find pages that would support the thesis. Answers to our deepest questions were miles away and took hours to get.

Now, we can travel with confidence by simply telling the car where we want to go, search data with a keystroke, and diagnose our own ailments with the use of an artificially intelligent medical professional. 

No matter the level of technology we have grown to adopt we have not achieved the ability to read minds. We can study what makes a happy team, what motivates our workforce, and how to develop a culture other companies yearn for, but realistically, we are at best, guessing what our people need, want, and crave. 

How does leadership stop speculating and start actually doing things that matter? 

It seems a bit too easy, and maybe the data will remain skewed to those who feel comfortable using their voice, but the simplest solution is simply to ASK. 

Recently our leadership group acknowledged there was less excitement in regards to hosted events, a decline in participation in department related activities, such as employee of the month nominations, and the underlying murmur of unsettling culture killing attitudes.  

We discussed and assumed, laid out ideas and made hypotheses, but we didn’t really know, we couldn’t be sure. I’d fear we’d miss the mark if we relied on hunches made with the best intention but solely created from our own perception and experiences. 

So, I asked. 

An anonymous survey was created to assist in writing this very piece as the hurdles we are facing surely aren’t unique to our team or company. Letting the people have a collective voice while contributing to an article for internal growth as well as providing insight to our customers prompted a higher than expected response rate. 

Here’s a sample of what our people said:

What Brings You Joy During the Work Day?

Overwhelmingly, the team reports that it’s their co-workers that make them happy. Most of us spend more waking hours with our professional peers than we do our families. The ability to build relationships, laugh with friends and value each other lightens the daily work load. 

Hire smart by attracting applicants that fit within your company culture and value the ideals the organization has adopted and promotes. By having a unified team that works together you will reduce the opportunity for internal conflict and unwanted drama. 

What Frustrates You During Your Work Day? 

Due to the structure of the team, I was not surprised that we find more variance in the responses. Micro-managing, work load distribution, accountability and fairness made the list, but inefficient systems (ERP and CRM) topped it. People’s perception can differ based upon position and fluctuate daily, yet should be addressed on an individual basis in order to validate and correct if necessary. 

The computer systems implemented by our organizations are only a useful tool if they prove efficient rather than act as a hindrance. Investing time and money into the programs required for business will support not only the team’s workload but also the bottom line. 

What Are Your Favorite “Extras” or “Perks”?

Food. Everyone loves food. But what ETE people love even more are the holiday festivities. From Halloween and Christmas Trees, costume contests to themed potlucks we love to play hard, because we work hard. 

Whether it’s a way to blow off steam, or a show of appreciation, allowing your people to let loose goes far in building the connections that matter. 

Knowing is only half battle. Take what you learn from your peoples vulnerable truths and do SOMETHING. This is how you build trust, create a committed team, and move towards a harmonious future within. 

As we take the positive feedback and prepare for an ultimate holiday season, we also promise to continue to work with, and for, our people to create the best darn place to work while building the world’s best damn remanufactured transmissions.