6 Steps to Start an Employee Suggestion Program: Steps 5 & 6

the victoryThis is the fifth and final post in our series on how to establish a successful Employee Suggestion Program (ESP). We’ve based this series in part on the book Employee Driven Quality.

Our last post covered Step 4: Pilot for Your Employee Suggestion Program.

In this post, I will cover steps 5 and 6: Rolling Out Your Employee Suggestion Program, and Continuous Improvement. Let us take a look at these steps one at a time. [Read more…]

6 Steps to Start an Employee Suggestion Program: Step 4

Cartoon scientistThis is the fourth post in our series on how to establish a successful Employee Suggestion Program (ESP), in part based on the book Employee Driven Quality.

Our last post covered Step 3: Creating A Detailed Framework of Your Employee Suggestion Program.

In this post we will cover Step 4: Pilot for Your Employee Suggestion Program.

What does a “Pilot” mean?

A pilot is a small-scale test that will help your organization learn how a large-scale project might work once implemented.

You can set up the guidelines of your ESP pilot by asking 4 questions. What are these questions? Let us take a look at them one at a time.

[Read more…]

3 Big Myths About Employee Suggestion Programs

Cute background with cartoon unicorns in the cloudsA good Employee Suggestion Program (ESP) can offer a variety of benefits for your organization.

However, three myths may be keeping you from implementing a successful ESP. Wondering what those are?

[Read more…]

6 Steps to Start an Employee Suggestion Program: Step 2

ビジネスマン パソコンThis is the second post in our series on how to establish a successful Employee Suggestion Program (ESP), based on the book Employee Driven Quality.

Our last post covered Step 1, Establishing a Development Team for your ESP.

In this post we will cover Step 2: Defining the Objectives of your Employee Suggestion Program.

[Read more…]

6 Steps to Start an Employee Suggestion Program: Step 1

People help hand join up stairsIs your organization planning to launch (or relaunch) an Employee Suggestion Program?

In this blog post series, I will share six steps to help you establish a successful Employee Suggestion Program. These steps are based on those outlined in the book Employee Driven Quality.

Step 1: Establish Your Employee Suggestion Program (ESP) Development Team

The first step is to establish a development team for your ESP. This team will define and implement your ESP. So, who should be on your ESP development team? [Read more…]

3 Tips to Breathe Life Into Your Employee Suggestion Program

Neon butterflyIs your Employee Suggestion Program losing momentum?

Don’t forget that your employees can be the best source of innovation. If your organization experiences a drop in suggestions, here are 3 tips to get your ESP back on track.

[Read more…]

One Simple Change to Upgrade Your Employee Suggestion Program

Puzzle LadderA properly-structured employee suggestion program (ESP) can provide incredible opportunities for your organization to grow. However, there is one element a lot of successful ESPs share – is it missing from yours?

According to researchers Anita L. Tucker and Sara J. Singer from the Harvard Business School, the key to operating a successful employee suggestion program is to focus on [Read more…]

Lessons Learned from Successful Employee Suggestion Programs

Cake PopsIs your employee suggestion program effective?

Used effectively, an employee suggestion program can drive your organization forward with great ideas and valuable insights to implement in your organization. Let’s take a look at how three companies used an employee suggestion program to improve their organization… [Read more…]

12 Ways to Effectively Recognize Employee Suggestions

Happy-Dog-300x300Are you recognizing your employees for their ideas?

Recognizing your employees for their helpful suggestions can encourage them to submit more and better ideas to benefit your organization. Find out why it’s important to recognize your employees’ ideas and 12 effective ways to do so… [Read more…]

Suggestion Box Systems: How to Escape the Fatal Flaw

Boom Pop ArtDid you know there is one fatal flaw that can cause your suggestion box system to self-destruct?

Yup, it’s true. And, unfortunately, many organizations suffer from it.

What is this common flaw, you ask?

Here’s the short answer: Relying on extrinsic motivators.

Extrinsic motivators are dangerously easy to implement. That’s why many organizations try to use them. Don’t fall into that trap!

By now, you might be wondering why extrinsic motivators are such a big deal. Let us take a look… [Read more…]