You run across some of the more interesting things on Slashdot. Let me change that. You run across some of the more interesting comments on Slashdot. The latest Slashdot conversation to capture my attention was on the management style the HCL Technologies has adopted.

The article refers to a CNN Money article discussing HCL Technologies and their unique management style. It might be unique to most folks, but it's something I'm accustomed to.

HCL takes the approach that you should focus on employees rather than customers. At first blush that may strike you as odd, but it's not. As a manager in any organization your role is to meet your business goals. The best way to do this is to ensure that your team members have a distinct and important voice.

Getting to that honest, true voice is hard, though.

Most team member won't embrace the opportunity to voice their opinions or concerns for fear of retribution. That's ok. Once they are acclimated to the environment they will become more giving of their thoughts and opinions.

Other team members might feel disinterested by the process. I've found that those team members are usually the poorer performers on the team. If they don't care enough to participate, then they probably don't care about your customers.

The great thing about getting your team to talk is that it opens up possibilities for helping the business you would never consider, which in the end run is what it's all about.