by Leon Noone
http://www.leons7secrets.com
©
2009 Small business owners and managers face two special
issues. Your staff see and talk to you daily, even frequently each day. You're
exposed in both good times and bad. That's high visibility. The other's high dependency.
If you're business doesn't succeed, their jobs are seriously threatened. Manage
staff expectations carefully. - Be Consistent Stick to your message.
Saying
one thing today and the opposite tomorrow disturbs staff. They find it hard to
"get the message" if, as they see it, it changes all the time.
-
Be Predictable.
You can be "soft", "hard", "erratic",
"mean", "generous" or "considerate". But whatever
you are, be that way most of the time. Changing from "despot" to benefactor"
isn't a problem if you're always like that. It's a huge problem if you change
from one to the other unexpectedly. Your people expect your behaviour to be predictable.
-
Be Human.
When you make an error, admit it. Don't hide your ignorance.
If you don't know smoething, say so. If you need help, ask for it. You'll get
no credit from staff if you fail to admit to your human limitations.
-
Value Their Contribution …
And Say So Without your staff, your business
wouldn't exist. They may drive you up the wall at times and make some silly mistakes.
But they're the lifeblood of your business. Look for opportunities to tell them
how much you value their contribution. And be sincere.
- Know What
You Want.
Do your staff know exactly what you're trying to achieve and
what you expect them to contribute? Most managers think staff do know. Ask your
staff. You may be surprised.
- Keep Them In The Loop.
Let
staff know about changes, improvements, new products and markets and other matters
that in a large business may be seen as "management only". There are
few secrets in small business. What you don't tell them, they'll invent.
-
Explain Why They Matter.
Tell each employee precisely why their work is
important, how it contributes to the success of the business and how it affects
other employees. Small businesses are always susceptible to damage from small
errors made in ignorance.
- Lead.
You are the manager. They
expect you to behave like a leader. There'll be times when they won't like your
leadership style. But they expect you to sound and look like a leader … not
"one of the boys or girls".
- Be An Advocate For The
Business.
All staff have personal and professional agendas that may impair
their judgement. The small business manager or owner must always ask "How
does that affect the business?" and "Is that good for the business?"
Every employee depends for their livelihood on the success of the business. Your
staff want a strong business advocate.
- Reward Fairly and Well.
Everything
I've said is jeopardised if staff feel that they're inadequately rewarded. You
don't need to throw money about recklessly. But your people must feel - I repeat,
"feel" - that they're getting their "fair share".
Conclusion. Small
business owners and managers are keen to achieve their business goals. Sometimes
they forget or ignore staff expectations. But the better you manage staff expectations
the more likely you are to have a successful business.
Credit: About the Author:
Leon Noone helps managers in small-medium business to improve on-job staff performance
without training courses. Some say his ideas are too unconventional. Find out
for yourself by reading his free Special Report "49 Practical Tips For Better
People Management In Small-Medium Business". Simply visit http://www.leons7secrets.com
and download your free copy now.
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