Lara Norris

In my experience, organisations are always on the lookout for ways to stay ahead of the curve. Its hard out there for charities and businesses and so I am always amazed that the best intellegence tool is in no way artificial and always underused.

While strategies, tech, and processes are important, there’s one secret weapon that often gets overlooked: the people – your colleagues or employees. Their ideas, perspectives, and creativity are like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. It is always worth taking the time to listen. It’s not just about being nice it is a smart business plan.

When colleagues know their opinions matter, it creates a sense of belonging and respect. This kind of environment isn’t just warm and fuzzy—it’s powerful. It boosts morale, keeps people around longer, and makes the workplace a space where everyone feels like they’re part of something bigger and that is handy becasue YOU DONT KNOW EVERYTHING!

No one person has all the answers. The person working on the front line always spots the unmet need. The quiet thinker often has observed the workings of the team and has a game-changing idea that no one else has considered. and decisions made that consider diverse viewpoints, are often richer, more practical, and more effective. It’s like putting together a puzzle—every piece matters, and when they all fit, the picture is clearer. By listening to colleagues, we avoid blind spots and make choices that benefit everyone.

In a world that’s constantly changing, and that is how it feels right now, adaptability is key. Organisations that listen to their employees are better equipped to handle challenges and seize opportunities.

And let’s not forget trust. Trust is the glue that holds organisations together. When leaders listen to and act on their colleagues’ ideas, it shows humility and a willingness to learn. It builds credibility and makes employees more likely to support o even champion decisions. It’s a win-win.

Finally, a culture that values feedback and ideas is one that’s always improving. By regularly seeking input from colleagues, organisations can refine processes, identify areas for growth, and stay competitive. It’s like having a constant engine of progress driving the organisation forward.

So, how do you make this happen?Start by creating an atmosphere where sharing is safe and people can ask questions, share ideas and be part of the decision making process whoever they are. Take time to be avaiable and recognise when people come forward in a ay that suits them. That shy person might never speak out again if you praise them in public – and that front line worker might prefer a quite and heartfelt thank you (and maybe a day off as thanks)

But it’s not enough to just listen; we need to act on the good ideas and explain why others might not work. Recognising and celebrating contributions is also key—it shows everyone that their voice matters. And of course, leaders need to lead by example, showing that they’re willing to listen and act too. And make mistakes. Now that is leadership (and its hard becasue we think a good leader gets it right every time!)

Listening to and acting on colleagues’ views and ideas isn’t just a nice thing to do—it’s a smart thing to do. The fact that it happens to be nice is a massive bonus!