Stop Wasting Talent-Part-2
Alright, we left off on a good note. I asked:
Your job is rewarding and challenging. This applies to you to. Are you happy? Are you looking? Are you doing a little extra to make sure you don’t lose valuable employees? Okay then, work it!
Several kind readers have shared privately the challenges they face with public vs. private sector staff. The public sector has less money to keep its talent and the private sector is also stretched thin as money to retain good employees is often not a high priority.
So, what are some of the top ways of keeping YOU happy? How do we make sure You stay put? Besides money, what can we offer YOU that help bring real value in your professional and personal life?
With my teams I made a point of doing some of the following. I wish I knew about all of these.
Armed with this knowledge you’ll have a stronger chance of utilizing, cultivating and keeping talent. Not in order of most important to least because each of us is unique!
- Train Us– Right below money rest two very important wants. Employees understand that training makes them better, grows knowledge and understanding and increase opportunities for advancement.
- I Belong!-Feeling like you contribute, matter and make a difference is huge. Being recognized in the hallway matters too. Don’t pass up a chance to chat with your staff. If YOU don’t feel this are you going to consider looking for another position?
- Information Share– Let your employees in on what’s going on. Let them feel part of the process. Also, allow them easy access to top management so that they can present Thoughts, ideas and even concerns.
- Recognize a Job Well Done-From first year to seasoned veteran we desire praise and often pick up our game after receiving it. And, giving/receiving praise has a positive chemical reaction in the brain and body! Appreciation is VERY important!
- Job security- Employees from 21-88 need to know/feel that their job is waiting for them when they arrive every morning. Just a hint that it doesn’t will have them looking from work elsewhere. And in a strong job market the opportunities rest firmly in their court.
- Kind, tactful and helpful guidance and criticism- The emotional well-being of employee’s matters and it should matter to all managers. As adults, we want to be treated with respect regardless of title and position. Kindness, humor and constructive guidance are far more effective than brute force and a crappy attitude.
- Open the door-let ‘em in- Sir Paul McCartney had it right. Being included and feeing part of what is making the company tick matters to many employees. And, they often bring valuable insight that can be the catalyst to further grow and prosperity for individuals and the company.
Working is an honor, privilege and a necessity. 28 years at a Berkshire Hathaway Fortune 500 company and speaking from coast to coast have taught me the value of each of us. Collectively, we have a greater chance of meeting goals, exceeding expectations and having some fun in the process. THIS is what successful companies and great managers strive for. Are you part of this awesome team or do you need to make some changes?
Scott Lesnick is a keynote speaker, consultant and author of Kidjacked-A Father’s Story.
Check him out at www.scottlesnick.com
