Last week I was facilitating a leadership development session for people from every department and every level of a large organization.  During our discussion I asked them if they realized that regardless of their title they are paid to think.  …Their immediate response?  Silence.

Later in the week I re-opened the book The Secret and as I skimmed through the pages this quote jumped off the page, “Check your brains at the door.  They will be returned to you as you leave the building.  ~The Management”

How about you?  Are you paid to think?  …Or to check your brains at the door?  

…As we near the start of a new year I wonder:

• How many people work in cultures that expect them to check their brains at the door?
• How many organizations have actually invited their employees to think?
• How many organizations have provided the tools and the training to help their organization unleash the knowledge that exists within their own walls?  

Regardless of your title:  What if…

• You shared a vision for 2013 with your team that invites everyone to bring their knowledge, their ideas, and their questions to the office?  A vision that encourages collaborative problem solving from people across the organization no matter who they are or where they sit?
• Your organization begins to reward people for asking tough questions and even challenging current policies that don’t serve the customer or the company well?
• Everyone works together to create a culture that unleashes each other’s strengths?
• You succeeded at building a  stronger organization?  …And have more fun doing it?

…What if… ???

For more on this topic check out these resources:

• Blog Post:  The answers are on the floor.  (Evidence that unleashing the knowledge of employees can make a significant difference.)
• Book:  The Character Based Leader, Instigating a Leadership Revolution…  One person at a time.   (Because ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.)
• Book:  Beep!  Beep!  Competing in the Age of the Roadrunner.  (Does your organization function like a pack of coyote’s or a flock of roadrunners?  Hint:  Flocks are more effective!)
• Blog Post:  Have you shared your vision with your team?  (2013 is just around the corner, are you doing the same thing you’ve always done?  …Expecting different results?)