SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING YOUR TEAM

Managing a team takes patience, vision and enthusiasm. After all, your team is valuable in meeting your goals and keeping customers satisfied; what they do and how they act is a reflection on other team members and the company.

Find out their motivation. Everyone is different. Money may motivate many people, but others find reward in achieving pre-set goals, or in solving difficult challenges. Knowing what brings a sense of accomplishment can boost job satisfaction, which increases employee retention.

DELEGATE TASKS. Learning to trust others with key tasks allows you to focus on high-level management duties. Most people do not want to be micromanaged anyway. Many surveys show that being allowed to do one’s job and being given the authority to make decisions in that realm, leads to a higher sense of satisfaction on the job.

Delegating involves setting clear expectations with each person and ensuring they feel confident in their ability to complete their portion of the project. By delegating responsibilities to others, you demonstrate trust in their abilities and help them feel invested in a project’s outcome.

MAINTAIN GOOD COMMUNICATION. Employees want to be kept in the loop about ongoing projects, goals and deadlines, especially when it involves them, so it’s essential to communicate. It’s also important to encourage feedback and ensure a safe space for employees to share their viewpoints and concerns. Allowing this exchange strengthens the company; many good ideas are discovered through brainstorming and problem solving.

MANAGE CONFLICT. If there is a discrepancy among employees, strong opinions that differ, or a personality clash, it should not be ignored. Turning a blind eye could lead to a negative atmosphere which can affect productivity and employee retention.

Address issues right away, allowing all involved to voice their concern as long as it’s in a conducive manner, and then arrive at a solution. Meeting in the middle and achieving some sort of compromise shows everyone involved that you are willing to hear differing opinions but, as the manager, you set the policy.

IDENTIFY CLEAR WORKFLOWS. Set the role that each employee plays in completing a project and map out the workflow process you expect. This ensures everyone understands their responsibility and the timeline.

Clear direction helps your team achieve success, building profitability and employee satisfaction. Ensuring you have the right attitude and vision as the leader sets the example and creates a positive environment.

WOOD DEFENDER CLASSES FOR 2023

Training classes are held monthly. After completion, attendees are ready to hit the ground running and stain their first fence. The classes cover all aspects, including:

• Sales and marketing techniques of the fence-staining service

• Equipment and product demonstration

• Overview of equipment options to fit every budget

• Specific product knowledge of Wood Defender products

• Proper clean up and job site management techniques

Class dates are:

• June 23

• July 28

• August 25

• September 22

• October 27

• November 17 www.wooddefender.com

CLFMI 2023 SUMMER MEETING

July 11 – 16, 2023

The Greenbrier Resort White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia www.chainlinkinfo.org

AFA ENGAGED

July 18 – 20, 2023

Nashville, Tennessee

AFA volunteers will review 2023 action plans and inspire future leaders – and have some fun! Leaders from boards, chapter presidents, committees and special interest groups are invited to improve your chapter’s board, build personal leadership abilities and help AFA plan for the future. Details to be released soon.

THE FENCE SHOW EXPO

August 23 – 25, 2023

South Point Casino & Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada www.fenceshow.com

LANDSCAPE EXPO

September 20 – 21, 2023

Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim, California www.thelandscapeexpo.com

WASA 2023 TRADE SHOW

September 28 – 29, 2023

The Mirage Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada www.wasaonline.org

NAFCA BUSINESS OPERATIONS, TRAINING AND ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY SERVICE PROJECT

October 18 – 20, 2023

Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia www.4nafca.com

PSP/DECK EXPO 2023

November 10 – 15, 2023

Las Vegas Convention Center www.poolspapatio.com

NAFCA FENCE TRAINING SCHOOL

February 11 – 15, 2024 Sebring, Florida www.4nafca.com

If you have a fencing industry event you’d like included in an upcoming issue, please email the information to: editor@fencenews.com.