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Do_You_Devote_Time_to_Each_Employee
| Do You Devote Time to Each Employee?
It's easy for a small business operator to delude herself or
himself into thinking she or he devotes attention to each
employee.
Here is the critical question, "When you give your attention to
an employee, does he or she have to share it with the other
employees?"
Years ago, a youth leader was teaching us to be a camp
counselor. He told us one thing which was indelibly etched in my
mind forever. He said, "When you spend time with your campers,
make sure you give each one some time that is their own private
time with you alone." He went on to explain how such simple
actions like taking one child on an errand or sitting with a
camper apart from the others or giving an opportunity to chat in
private. Casual and non-threatening moments of silence were just
as effective.
Later, as our family grew to include six children I remembered
that advice. The resulting rewards and appreciation created many
fond memories for me to cherish throughout my life.
Also later, I translated this wisdom into my management style.
Employees are people with feelings just as children are people
with feelings. The needs to feel wanted, appreciated and
reassured are the same regardless of age. We crave to receive
some indication to our eternal question, "How am I doing?"
Having a personal chat during a formal one-on-one evaluation or
in other such meetings can be construed as contrived even when
they are genuinely sincere. These should not be included in your
private time.
You may not feel comfortable or it may be risky to have personal
private time with certain employees. Another supervisor can be
your surrogate for passing on your fond regards and appreciation.
Meaningful acts can be as simple as:
* performing a brief task together yet within view of others. *
a personal, "Can I buy you a cup of coffee." * a brief private
compliment following an accomplishment. * a whispered, "Well
done" comment. * a lingering hand on the (same gender) shoulder
while walking side by side. * a finger touch to the forearm just
below the elbow is quite safe.
People you pay to perform tasks treasure more than money alone.
There are subtle ways we can treat all people as sensitive
children without being a nurturing parent figure. All situations
are different. You have the concept expressed by the youth
leader. Adopt it wisely and with caring.
Be caring to one another - even amid the trials and tribulations
of business affairs.
About the author:
Gerry McRae is the creator and principal author of the small
business management website UncleMaxSays.com. Gerry is also the
author of "Time Management for Entrepreneurs - What to do, When
& Why" available at
http://www.unclemaxsays.com/timemanagement.php
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