We Want Specific Direction

Though you may know what to do, most people would rather be directed. When giving instructions:

1. Start by summarizing the project in a sentence or two
2. Be specific as to what things should look like when completed
3. Give the due date and how often you want updates
4. Instruct the employee on what to do if something goes wrong
5. Express your confidence that they will do a good job and get their buy-in.

Profit risks: Poor Quality, late delivery, and higher level people will be forced to clean-up. There is wasted time correcting errors or miscommunication.

When You Give Us Detailed Praise, We Understand it, Remember it and Work Harder For You

Rather than saying Great job or nothing at all, try I really appreciate the amount of thought and effort you put into this project, thank you.

Profit risks: People who do not feel appreciated are hard to retain, do not give good customer service, and feel less invested in the organizations success.

We Know Our Jobs Better Than You Do

Once you can accept that there are skills you do not have. you can focus on what will make real money.

Profit risks: You arent letting the best person for the job do the work thereby compromising the product and service.

You Do Too Much

Most people are capable of more than you think they are but if you insist on micro managing or doing tasks yourself, you will never find out just how much.

Profit risks: Micro managers never have time to look at the big picture and are constantly putting out fires. Good workers get bored, insulted or leave. You are too valuable to be completing tasks a $10 an hour person could be doing very well.

There are Slackers We Wish Youd Get Rid Of

Everyone knows X doesnt pull his/her weight, is late, calls in sick, dumps work on others, is negative or is just incompetent. You may be the last to know but your staff wants (expects you) to do something quickly and decisively.

Profit risks: Poor Performers cost you money. They drag down morale and become the focus of gossip. Employees want you to do something before they pick up the low productivity habits and negative attitude of their coworker. Walk around, see what is happening, and ask questions. Have a confidant. Be slow to hire and quick to fire.