Make It Easy
Make It Easy
In the last four columns, we have looked at hiring, training, motivating and creating standards for employees. The last secret is be good to your employees. Well-treated
employees pay off
even after leavingYou want them to be happy and productive? It's not all about pay or benefits or perks. There are the four things we all need. We want to work where we are respected, appreciated, understood and feel welcome. Not rocket science. Your mom taught you that. Most of us will have a string of employees come through our companies. A large number of Hawaii employers are small businesses that don't offer a lot of growth opportunities. So we will have turnover.
Think of it this way: Some day that college kid will work somewhere else. It could be for the IRS or the bank. They might, down the road, be the person who approves your next line of credit or that re-finance on your house. They could be an attorney or a judge on an important case for you. Some day they may be in a position to help you or your business.
I have had several bosses in Hawaii who I remember very fondly. I have learned much from them and have gained self-confidence and wisdom from watching them run their businesses. Some have been tough bosses who taught me how to land on my feet. Some have taught me to be more circumspect in my dealings with others. From them all I have gained valuable knowledge that I pass on in my training sessions.
If you've been in Hawaii very long, you know how often the "Taking Notice" column shows changing faces in Hawaii's businesses. Everyone gets their day in the sun and everyone hits a rough patch now and again. If you are good to your employees, they too will remember you fondly. And you may find they will be there for you 20 years down the road when you need their expertise the most.
So here's Aunty Beth's advice for success with employees and in life in general: Be good to people. You don't know who they are. You don't know who they know. And you don't know who they might become.
Next time: Secrets for creating happy customers.
Beth Terry is president of Pacific Rim Seminars.
This column is excerpted from her upcoming book,
101 Ways to Make Your Life Easier. Send questions
on management, customer service and other issues
to beth@bethterry.com.