By MaryEllen Tribby
The most important element in every business is the team that forms the organization. Your employees are the backbone of your business.
If you do not have a great team, you cannot possibly have a great business. Yet many entrepreneurs do not take the time to really listen to their team. Many blame it on the widely growing virtual environment. There are more companies operating virtually now 
than ever before.
And because of this, many entrepreneurs, business owners and middle management individuals have lost touch with the pluses of their company. Because they are out of sight, they are out of mind. This is one of the most dangerous mistakes a company can make.
When there is little to no communication a company cannot possibly grow, a company cannot possibly service their customers properly and a company cannot possibly be great.
Everybody Talks, Everybody Talks . . .
If you have virtual employees in your business, listen up. I’m going to share with you a big breakthrough that can make your team much more productive, confident and happy. And by doing this one small process each day you will see your business evolve much faster.
Often in our busy business lives it’s a challenge to keep track of how all your employees feel about their work. And equally important, whether they need any help from you in order to work to their full potential.
The simple method I’m about to share with you can change all of that.
I want you to give all of your employees three simple questions to answer EVERYDAY. They can then supply the answer to you by e-mail.
Now before you start shouting that you cannot possibly read everyone’s answers to this questions each day, know that I understand this.
Here is how it works: everyone who has people directly reporting to them reads those answers. So if you have three people reporting to you directly, those are the answers you will read. And if your marketing director has four people directly reporting to him or her, those are the answers he or she will read. And if your editorial director has two people directly reporting to him or her, those are the ones he or she will read. And so on and so on . . .
Easy As 1, 2, 3!
Here are the questions you must ask everyday:
1. What did you do today, and what were the results?
2. What were the problems and challenges? fee
3. Do you have any questions for me?
The first question helps your team member think about their achievements both today and in comparison to other days. For example, if they spent 2 hours on a task one day but that same takes 4 hours the next day, something is obviously wrong. Maybe they did not write a standard operating procedure (SOP). Or perhaps they were multi-tasking when they should have been focusing on this task with 100% of their attention. Regardless, you now know that something can be done to improve that situation and help that team member become more productive.
The second question asks them what problems and challenges they faced. Notice that the question isn’t phrased ‘were there any challenges?’ because that would simply invite a ‘no’ response. This is a very valuable question because you can quickly take action with the team member to fix the problem and alleviate their frustration. By removing frustration, you are on your way to making your employees happier.
The third question invites them to ask questions. It might relate to tasks that day, they might have a general question about the direction you’re taking the business, or any number of topics. This can lead to ideas that could help your business grow.
Most days they’ll have at least one question for you. Most importantly, they’ll feel empowered that they’re given this opportunity on a daily basis. The more empowered they feel, the more confident they will become.
It’s imperative to take note of the feedback provided from the three questions.
Read the data vigilantly.
Then, either you or the direct supervisors provide a brief personal response that shows you’ve considered the comments carefully. Whatever you do, do not use this as an opportunity to criticize or reprimand. Remember you have asked for HONEST answers. If you criticize them, it will put your team members off and they will not provide honest feedback for you in the future.
Please start using this process in your business today. You should see a noticeable difference within 30 days! Once you do, please send us a note and let us know your results.