Next time you are in a meeting with your staff, or you are conversing with them, try to determine which employee say "we" and which employees say "they" when they are referring to the company, the management or the leadership of the practice.
What is the difference between the ones that use "we" and the ones that use "they," and why does it matter?
The "we" are high performing employees. The employees that use the word "they" are the ones that are alienated.
Understanding where each employee stands goes a long way in helping you lead better. That is why I think there is great value is working with the "they" to convert them in to "we" employees.
But don't neglect the "we." Our jobs with them is to empower them.
(This blog was originally posted on Pediatric Inc)
Brandon Betancourt is a business director for a pediatric practice in Chicago. He is a speaker, consultant and blogger. You can follow him on Twitter @PediatricInc or visit his blog at PediatricInc.com.