Question 5: What is working well, and how can we make it even better?

All too often, we focus only on what isn't working in our organizations, and we forget to consider the things that are going well. The reality is that it's important to also look at what does work, and to figure out why. By doing so, organizations can find ways to improve upon those systems, and they can use them as a guide for success in other areas of the business. Ask your employees what they think is working well in your company. Have them make a list of the things that make their job easier or help make them more successful, and why they think that is. Then be sure to ask if there are ways that you can improve upon those things. How could they be even better? What will help systems to continue to be successful? By focusing on the positive, you will find that even more solutions can be born than when you simply concentrate on what doesn't work.

The most successful organizations are those that understand employee ownership is the magic ingredient that can propel a team to success. Every member of your organization should have a vested interest in the success of your company. And no matter what happens, don't forget that you don't have to go it alone. You hired the people who work for you because of their talent and skills — and today is the day to start putting all of that talent to use in new and innovative ways. Start now, and you will be well on your way to taking your organization to the next level.

Pamela Bilbrey and Brian Jones are the authors of Ordinary Greatness: It's Where You Least Expect It…Everywhere. Bilbrey is a consultant, coach and international speaker. She has authored three books and many articles on employee engagement, leadership and team development, and organizational change. Jones is a consultant who helps teams and organizations achieve real results with ordinary yet great tools and advice. He is the author of several articles on leadership development and employee engagement.