Two Questions Exercise (1 min)
- Divide the audience into two halves.
Here's a question for the left half of the audience: What is one thing that managers do to improve morale?
Here's a different question for members of the right half: What is one thing that employees want managers to do?
- Take your time to silently think about the answer. (Pause for 5 seconds.)
- Time's up. At the count of three, I want all of you in the left group to shout out your answer. One, two, three.
Yes, you are right. <something> is what managers are eager to do. (blah blah)
- Now for the right group. One, two, three.
Yes, you are right. <something> is what employees want managers to do. (blah blah)
Here's the next question for both groups: How can managers become more helpful to their employees? Think about the answer for the rest of your career.
Next exercise: (5 min)
- Come up with a list of factors affecting morale
- What factors are in your control as a manager? What factors are outside your control?