Make a Difference

January 31, 2013  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on February 1, 2013

Managing people is never an easy task. Those charged with the managing have a distinct personality with various mannerisms, just as no two people are exactly alike in how they prefer to be managed.

I€™m far from a management expert, but I do know human nature and that folks like to be respected, appreciated and feel as if they€™re making a difference in their chosen career path.

I understand that the furniture industry is making a very slow comeback from the cliff of 2008, but undervaluing your employees is a detriment to the broader picture of success.

One of your jobs as a manager of folks is to help boost morale in this up-and-down economy in which retail sales are spotty. As a manager, you have a great deal of influence on your employees€™ satisfaction.

So what to do?
Everyone would love a 20 percent salary increase, I€™m sure, but seeing how that€™s not likely feasible until sales make a dramatic turnaround, let€™s get creative.

1. Offer praise where praise is warranted. Granted, it€™s easier to point out when things are done wrong. Make a point to catch folks doing things RIGHT. Positive reinforcement nets positive results.

2. Welcome employee ideas. Morale improves when people feel valued. Share and implement those ideas whenever possible.

3. Say thank you. Even if there€™s no extra money to exchange hands, saying a word of thanks for a job well-done can go a long way in letting employees know their work is appreciated.

4. Take employees out for lunch or a cup of Joe. Simply spending time together with the opportunity to say thanks and to exchange ideas is valuable.

5. Host a pot-luck breakfast or lunch. Everyone can participate and enjoy a bit of camaraderie. The cost is manageable, and it provides an opportunity for team interaction.

6. Offer a new, interesting assignment. Make sure it€™s something interesting to the employee. Sometimes all that€™s needed to boost morale is a little bit of variety and a change of pace

7. Apologize when you should. A sincere, public apology can go a long way when mistakes have been made. Be sure it€™s a personal apology€”I€™m sorry; not we€™re sorry.
8. Help people feel valuable. Talk with employees about the types of projects, training, or experiences they want. Times may be difficult and tough for people to get jobs, but your best people are also the most marketable.
Because of people€™s distinct differences, human resources issues require flexibility on all sides and an abundance of training to ensure matters are handled properly. Sadly, for many small businesses, the human touch side of things is relegated to the owner.
Inside this month€™s issue, we take a look at a number of key issues that every business owner, human resources professional and manager will surely face at some point during their career. Ideas on hiring, firing and boosting employee morale follow through the pages. I€™m hopeful you€™ll find an idea, or two or three, to implement within your operation.
Happy reading.