MADISON, Wis.-The new Filene Research report offers four "imperatives" to CU leaders for better soliciting ideas from staff:
*Spread a wide net. The research shows, statistically, that across the 11 credit unions good ideas are simmering at all levels.
* Emphasize voice with mid-level managers. Local managers, especially branch leaders, are critical in getting good ideas to the top.
*Actively solicit ideas. Leaders that slide down the organizational chart in search of new ideas, rather than waiting on ideas to bubble up, have much more success. They add to that success by personally following up on quality ideas.
*Train for voice. Even a good idea won't survive poor presentation. Train employees to couch ideas in terms of benefits for the overall organization.
