Think about the times you've had a conflict with someone - or there's been a different opinion about an issue between your company and your customer base. Notice a trend/pattern? Virtually every time, the conflict starts when there are differing perceptions.
How do you fix this BEFORE it becomes a costly problem?
Last week, I was working with a Fortune 500 company who had a proactive solution. Starting with their employees, they arranged for everyone to complete various simple assessments - as a way to initiate discussion about different issues. (You can download some free samples at http://www.smallworldalliance.com/free-business-tools.html)
After you and your colleague(s) fill one out, simply compare perceptions/opinions and make the opportunity to discuss where you are coming from. [Note: Any assessment by itself does nothing - it's just an excuse to have a discussion, where the real value is.] This process gets everything out so you can get on the same page - or at least understand (with no unpleasant surprises) how you differ. This approach addressed nearly all assumptions and allowed them to resolve issues before they became costly problems.
The bonus? Approaching their customers with the same kinds of questions in a less-formal/"no assessment form needed" part of their natural discussions had similar outcomes: Better clarity/understanding/communication for less conflict and better results.
Not bad for an investment of FREE, eh?
Ready to make things better? Start addressing big issues before they become bigger problems!
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
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