This series will give background information and examples for the questions you will see on the upcoming Gallup Employee Engagement Survey.

Q7:  At work, my opinions seem to count.

In our production environment we have specifications, standards, and processes that must be followed to ensure we deliver the products required by our contracts.  However, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t listen and actively solicit the ideas of our team

When you listen to the ideas and suggestions of your crew you are not only validating that their opinions count, but you are also increasing your own chances of success.  As a foreman you can’t be everywhere and see everything. But when your team shares information, you are expanding what you know and what you can do about it.  Creating an environment where your team is comfortable bringing your ideas or problems takes work, but it is as important as any other task you face as a foreman.

Another way to help ensure employees know that you value their opinion is to ensure they know about and use the company’s IDEAS employee suggestion program.  Suggestions can be submitted using the orange suggestion boxes located throughout the shipyard.  You can also submit suggestions online via the Quality and Process excellence intranet site.  Once an idea has been submitted, employees are kept updated on the status. 

Things you can do to improve on Q7:

• Ask for ideas or suggestions whenever you meet with your team
• Don’t rush to judgment on new ideas.  Listen without interrupting
• Do not discount the opinions of others in their absence
• Explain the IDEAS program to your crew