Richard Branson commented one time on how work was work and fun was fun, but it was all about living life. We're to talk for several posts on Branson's outlook on business, management and life, and his input into how it works for him and his Virgin empire.
In our first post, we'll talk about a simple thing that he says is his greatest source of feedback for his companies from his fellow workers.
For him the key is getting out of the work place and interacting with 
your employees outside of it. Go out with them, hang out with them and let them feel comfortable around you. He says that in the informal settings that he's spent with his people is the place where he's garnered the best ideas from them.
He added that one of the basic keys to it all though is simply carrying a small notebook with you when you're around them. Otherwise you lose all the tremendous value received because you never remember it the next day.
Another reason this is so important is that it not only give you great ideas, but it is one of the best ways to keep great employees, as the reason people leave companies is because of the feeling that nobody ever listens to their good ideas. Very seldom is it the wages that are the issue.
The idea is to remember what is said and act upon it the next day. Let people know that you're listening and are engaged in their thoughts and ideas. After all, they're the ones that really know what the company needs in many of the daily operations.
Other Richard Branson Resources:
Richard Branson's Virgin Success
Thoroughly postmodern billionaire
Richard Branson's latest adventure will take Virgin into space
Richard Branson - Life - Philanthropy - Money
Richard Branson, Business Personality
Richard Branson conquered the world. Now he wants to fly you to space.
Sponsored link: The outsourcing every manager requires - Tampa Locksmith
Comment Preview