Don't Demonize Employees Who Raise Problems

Define the processes to work on gaps to solve difficult problems all the time. The fast market dynamic requires constant learners, adapting and growing and trying new things.

• Is there an ongoing mechanism to address far-reaching issues?
• Can difficult topics be raised?
• Is it a regular process? 

Study what percent of your time is spent working on bigger critical issues that seem unsolvable.

Instead of demonizing people raising issues, celebrate the agitation. If people don't raise issues, consider why not. It could be because they stop believing you care or don't think you want their best ideas. Both are problematic.

The day your people stop bringing you their problems, you have stopped leading them.

Problem spotters don't enjoy bearing bad tidings. However, they do it to advance the organization.

Stop making it so hard on them to help you. Don't say "I hear you have a problem with us." Instead, state that you appreciate them helping you to get better.