We all have internal voices in our heads, telling us what to do, when to take action or wait, warning us when we aren’t listening to our instincts and intuition. In this case, the internal voices I’m referring to are the knowledgeable, experienced, and intuitive internal voices within your organization. I’ve been doing more research recently with often-overlooked groups on topics that are traditionally the subject of external research. Whether it’s improving CX, brand and communication, or shopper marketing, some of the people who have the most insight into your challenges and who can identify and accelerate opportunities are the internal voices in your company.
Leadership is listening to internal voices
CEOs and senior leaders are recognizing the value of including internal voices in conversations. In my experience with companies ranging from retail to health care, the most successful leaders are the ones who recognize the value of the insights they gain from talking to their own people. Executive coaches like Gavin Pommernelle, of Talent Driven Value, works with CEOs and other business leaders to not only develop a strong support network but to take the time to get to know the people who work for them. Gavin is a proponent of smaller groups, that are more interactive than other forums.
Which Voices Do You Listen To?
Pommernelle recommends having local and department leaders invite people who have relevant experience. In addition to experience, invite people who have an opinion and are comfortable expressing it, people who are willing to engage and be honest about the challenges they’re experiencing. Seek out the engaged, outside-the-box thinkers – what Pommernelle calls the “mavericks” in your organization. You’ll want to get to know them. The mavericks are often given bigger roles and responsibilities once CEO’s get to know them.
Continue to let your internal voice be your guide, and when you want to gain more insight into your business and your customers, add the knowledgeable, experienced, and intuitive internal voices from your organization.
