Regardless of the size of your business, your staff are probably your most valuable asset. How your employees perform on a day to day basis very much depends on your management techniques and how you treat them.
If your staff are happy, they are more likely to go that extra mile for you – not to mention the loyalty that will continue to develop. That’s why it’s crucial to monitor things from time to time so that neither you or they become complacent.
Here are 3 ways to get your best out of your employees.
Feedback
One of the signs of a great manager is someone who not only gives feedback but asks for it too.
If a member of staff knows that their thoughts, opinions, or concerns are being listened to and taken on board, it will make them far more productive.
Whether it be via a formal appraisal or a more informal discussion, let them know how you feel they are doing. Talk about their strengths and any areas you feel they could do with improving. Ask them whether there is anything you could do to assist them or any areas they want to get more involved with.
It is, of course, ok to disagree with them or explain why certain things are perhaps not feasible. Two-way feedback can do wonders, not only for your working relationships but for the overall business.
Training
From rolling out new systems and procedures to ensuring that existing tasks are being handled correctly, training is fundamental in any organization.
On the job training helps to motivate staff by assisting potential future progression whilst a more structured approach, such as a training seminar, ensures procedural continuity across the company and promotes teamwork. Seminars will, however, only work if you have a well-planned training curriculum. Curriculum development can, therefore, take some time and effort but will enable you to set well thought out goals and objectives. It will also ensure that measurable post-training results can be obtained and, where necessary, analyzed.
If employees see that you are taking the time (and money) to provide ongoing or regular training, they are more likely to remain focussed and eager.
Flexibility
If you implement a flexible approach, getting the most out of your staff is a near certainty.
Offering flexible working hours can make it far easier for those who, for example, have childcare obligations or a long commute. Offering a work from home option from time to time could make all the difference to a single mum who is trying to juggle work and a structured home life for her kids.
Life isn’t always easy, so if you can make a difference and provide a flexible working environment for your team, you will more than likely reap the benefits in the long run.
A happy, motivated, and loyal team should be the end goal, so make a few changes, and you might be surprised at the results.
