smallbiz
Where Have all the Good Employees Gone? They already work for you!
By Mark Aurelio Sandate One of the common complaints I hear from small business owners all over the country, and across all industries, is how it is tough to get good help these days. The consensus is that most employees only care about themselves and do not try to do what’s good for the company. Many small business owners respond by either just accepting mediocre performance (believing if they want things done right they must do it themselves), or by constantly replacing poor performers. Obviously
lutely! If you don’t know what results you expect out of your company,
both of these scenarios lead to unsatisfactory results for your company. What’s the solution?
how can you expect your employees to work towards that? Start by defining your goals. Then, understand how each employee
First, accept the fact that at least 80% of your employees are work-
in each area contributes to achieving that goal. Next, help them under-
ing for you to meet their own personal objectives. Most do not make the
stand it too. Make it clear their contribution is necessary and valued,
decision to work for you because they want to advance your company
and then formalize the expectation (not only in job descriptions but in
to the next level. And most will only continue to work for you as long as
your processes as well). Establish follow up procedures that let your
there exists a perceived benefit to them.
employees know you will be checking on progress in short intervals...
If you are not
I am not saying they are not good employees. Think about it; with-
getting the
out them, where would you be? What I am saying, however, is they need
This not micro-management. This is Result Oriented Management
to be managed! If you are not getting the expected results out of them,
Behavior. The focus is on ensuring they are reaching the objectives in
it’s likely not their fault; it’s yours! Ouch!
their respective positions in an efficient manner. These objectives when
expected results out of them, it’s likely not their fault
So what are you doing wrong? Let’s start with expectations. Do your employees know what you expect out of them? I normally get a “Yes!” to
and then do it!
rolled up should mean your business as a whole is reaching its desired results.
that question from the employers, and a “No!” from the employees. To
The kicker is that your employees’ perceived benefit of working for
see who’s right, let’s take a step back and ask another question: Do you
you will go up dramatically. Not only are you simplifying their work life,
know what you expect out of your employees? And I don’t mean how
you are giving them the financial security that can only be provided by a
busy you want them to be; I mean, do you know the results you want
well run successful company. Sounds like motivation to be productive
from their efforts? (Ahh... a whole different question isn’t it!?)
to me!
I’m willing to bet the answer is “No.” And even if you have given it
Tune into the next issue to learn more about how a Management
some thought - have you taken the time to formalize their responsibili-
Accountability System can finally maximize your most important busi-
ties and then share them? And if you have done that - have you taken the
ness asset - your employees! n
next step and given them the tools and appropriate level of authority to
Mark A. Sandate is a speaker, author, and founder of MASSolutions,
accomplish their duties? Finally, and perhaps most importantly - are you
LLC - a business advisory firm specializing in small business growth.
holding them accountable?
For more information, and to inquire about our workshops and/or a free
What!? Is all that really necessary to get them productive? Abso-
business consultation please email MASSMyBiz@mas-solutions.biz.
third quarter 2008 n latinbiz
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