JULY 15

“This brain doesn’t contain all the answers, but I’ll know a good one when I hear it. And I’ll recognize that person for it.”

—Kent Murdock, CEO, O.C.Tanner Company

HEY, BOSS! DID YOU HEAR THAT!

It’s not a leader’s job to have all the answers. But it is her job not to let the good ones get away.

Some managers wonder aloud to us why their employees never seem to generate new and innovative ideas, why their companies just seem to stagnate in mediocrity. The answer is this: because employee ideas are not appreciated.

Start a suggestion box. Dedicate part of weekly staff meetings to idea generation. And, of course, publicly recognize people for their ideas.

Recognizing innovative ideas—not just achievements—fosters creativity within the workplace. After all, every employee wants to feel that he or she is making significant contributions in their workplaces. It’s up to you to make sure they do.