Many companies
proclaim that their employees are their greatest asset. Unfortunately, the
phrase has become somewhat cliché, similar to saying employees are
"empowered." These are valid statements only if companies put actions
behind their claims.
In other words,
if you say your employees are your greatest asset, do you treat them as if they
are the most valuable part of your company?
1. Say thank
you.
Show your
appreciation for their hard work and contributions. Identify the specific
actions that you found admirable. This praise feels sincere since you took the
time to spell out details—not just, "You did a good job." You also
emphasize the actions that you'd like to see the employee do more often and
everybody benefits when people experience clear direction.
2, Make time to
connect.
Leaders have a
lot of responsibilities, and it's easy to get caught up in your own work,
without paying much attention to your team. But one of the best ways to show
your employees you appreciate them is making the time to connect with them.
Find out how they're doing--including their lives outside work.
3. Create new
opportunities.
One of the best
ways to win the hearts and minds of your employees is to give them as many
opportunities as you can. Let them take on big challenges like a highly visible
project or a new leadership role, or pick up the tab for a workshop or
conference.
4. Show you
trust them.
When you can
show your employees you trust them, it sends a very important message. In
essence, you're telling them their work is good enough that they don't need you
looking over their shoulder.
5. Encourage
input from them.
Ask for
employee suggestions for other ways of getting the task or project
accomplished. Listen and be willing to really hear the employees' comments.
Employees hate to have no input and be told exactly how to perform their jobs,
leaving no creativity.
6. Let them solve
their own problems.
Listen to their
problems but don’t bark out the answer. Instead, ask probing questions that
will lead them to determine the right answer. When they get it, compliment them
and tell them they don’t need to ask you about similar situations; that you
have faith in them to figure it out. Don’t abandon them, but prove that you
trust their judgment.
7. Make
mentorship part of the culture.
In almost any
organization, there are newer employees who could benefit from being paired
with an old hand. Whether you establish a formal mentorship program or a more
casual buddy system, there's no better way to transmit helpful information and
give newbies a support system right from the start.
8. Be honest
and transparent.
Honesty should
be a given, but it's easier at some times than at others. Many people believe
you shouldn't talk about the bad news, but those conversations--difficult as
they may be--prove you care enough to deliver even hard truths. Truthful and
transparent feedback will gain you respect and garner the best possible
results.
9. Challenge
them
Employees may
become bored and dissatisfied if they are performing the same tasks and
projects each day. Give your staff new challenges that are within their
abilities. Provide constructive feedback as they work on new projects. Learning
and mastering new challenges will give your staff a sense of accomplishment. It
shows that you have confidence in their skills and value them as part of the
organization.
10. Give them
credit
Praise
employees for their good work in front of their peers. You don’t have to spend
a dime to reward hardworking employees for their actions and achievements. Your
gesture lets employees know their unique contributions and positive attitudes
make a difference for your company and the team.
If you're
serious about creating a workforce that's engaged and productive, you must
devote time and attention to creating environments in which the people on your
teams can flourish. And when they flourish, you must take measures to ensure
they are protected and well cared for, because that's what people do with their
most celebrated and valuable assets.
No comments:
Post a Comment