Super Ghost Blogger

Whether all businesses will admit it or not, their employees are their biggest asset. Without people, there is little any company can do. Even the most high-tech companies still need to take care with their people.

Photo: Phil Sexton

Managing staff and keeping their outlook positive is essential to any growing business. You will need the right people for the right job. You will also need to get feedback, through an all important employee survey, with honesty and without fear of reprisals. Here is a look at the key areas to consider if you want to keep your team productive.

• Right People For the Right Job. A major reason why people are not happy with their position is because they are not doing what they expected. It is important you invest in the process or consulting agency that has the ability to communicate what the job is, and to find the people who really want to do that job. People perform better when they are doing what they want, because they want to, and not just to earn money. ‘Rec2Rec’ is a popular term used to mean ‘recruitment to recruitment’, or the recruitment of recruitment specialists. Because you are highly specialized, it might be worth investing in getting the right recruitment specialist for your business. The initial investment and direction you take will have compounding results for your business at a later date.
• Framework for Feedback. Your employees or contractors need a format for feedback. They may have some very valuable ideas that can improve not only their working situation, but can improve your business. You should be able to accept both positive and negative criticism.
• Management. People will normally leave a job because of a manager, more than because of a company. Good managers are highly essential to the growth of your business.
• Clear Expectations. Changing expectations on your staff will only produce unhealthy stress. A clear framework and stable work expectations will improve the performance and positivity of your people.
• Skill and Talent Use. Knowing all of the skills of your people is important. In progressive companies, work loads and tasks sharing are very fluid, meaning that different people might be handling jobs which are best suited to them. Limiting tasks based purely on position, and title, may mean many people are under-utilized.
• Income. Income or their employment should never be used as a threat against employees. For someone to perform well, they must be confident they are secure in their position. If you are not creating this environment, you can be sure your people are not focused.
• Reward Based. If someone is performing well, they need to know about it. Rewards can come in many forms, from simple statements, to actual bonus gifts. Financial reward can be a very powerful motivator. The fact is we are all trying to get ahead.