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Why Employee Voice is Your Greatest Strategic Asset

November 23, 2023   ·  
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We all know where we want our organisation to get to. It’s what important events like board meetings are all about, right?  

But how well do we understand where we are right now, and why does that matter?  

Using the analogy of a ship – because who doesn’t love a metaphor? - we explain why gaining an accurate picture of your current reality is just as important as having a clear vision.  

The secret? Live employee voice. 

 

All Aboard? Let’s Set Sail  

Picture this: We're on a grand ship, our business vessel, heading out to sea. Our destination? That's our strategic vision, the dream island we're all itching to reach.

But, as any seasoned sailor will tell you, knowing where you're headed is just part of the journey. 

 

So... Where Exactly are We?  

Imagine we've got this nifty onboard computer. It's not just for show; it's constantly telling us crucial stuff - where we are, how much fuel's left, and if the crew's feeling seasick. It's our trusty control panel.

In our business voyage, this is like keeping a finger on the pulse of our company. Are we on track? Do we need to reroute? It's about having that real-time snapshot, so we're not sailing blind. 

 

The Happy Crew Myth  

Here's where things get interesting. On our ship, not everyone's singing sea shanties and enjoying the breeze – even though those voices feel the loudest.

Some are worried about leaks, storms, or whether we're even going the right way. In our business, this is like the voices of dissent. Those who point out the negatives of a situation or why a plan might fail.  

So, what can we do about these naysayers? Tell them to walk the plank, right?  

But hold on. What if they’re seeing icebergs we’re not? What if their grumbles are actually valuable insights?  

Those people are on this ship for a reason, and it’s not to sink it. Instead, let’s figure out why they’re worried. It might just save us from hitting a metaphorical iceberg.  

Navigating Troubled Waters 

When we start listening to these diverse voices, it's like having more eyes scanning the horizon. Maybe they spot a shortcut or a storm to avoid.

It's about using every viewpoint to steer our ship smarter, not just relying on the captain's binoculars. 

 

Safely Docking the Ship 

So, as we pull into our harbour (don’t worry, non-sailors, we’re almost done with the metaphors), remember: our business journey is more than just setting a course.

It's about knowing where we are, constantly, and really tuning in to our crew. It's their ship as much as it is ours, and their insights can make the difference between smooth sailing and getting lost at sea. 

Until our next adventure,  

The Harkn team (otherwise known as: your trusty control panel).  

 

Learn how Harkn can unlock live employee voice in your organisation here, or book a virtual coffee with us to find out more. 

David Bellamy
David Bellamy

Founder and CEO, Connect with David on LinkedIn

Employee voiceTrustChangeCultureStrategyLeadershipEmployee engagement
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