Treat People how they would like to be Treated
About the Authors:
Jeremy Curragh
Partner at Crowe Horwath Tauranga
Jeremy works across the sporting and commercial sectors. His sound and practical advice has seen him hold many senior financial and management positions in business improvement, governance and business recovery.
Andy Carruthers
Partner at Crowe Horwath Tauranga
Andy works with clients to grow and improve their businesses, providing an outside set of eyes while encouraging accountability. Andy’s key strengths include sales and marketing, financial management and business systems.
Heta Hudson
Partner at Crowe Horwath Auckland
Heta works with iwi organisations and SME's, helping them make the right decisions at the right time. His skill set includes export, Maori business, project work; strategic and feasibility planning.
Blair Impey
Senior Client Manager at Crowe Horwath Queenstown
Blair specialises in business performance improvement and general management. Key focus areas include strategy, people management, supply chain and operations management, customer management and performance reporting.
The new year is well under way. Did it get off to a great start? Did you make a resolution to be a better leader of your people this year? That should always be on the list.
If you manage people, don’t underestimate what an impact you have on their lives. People are working for you and giving you their time. Sure, you pay them for it, and yes, you are providing them with an opportunity, but they are providing you with their limited time and their potential – an unlimited opportunity for you.
To get the best out of your people, all you have to do is tap into them – connect with them, inspire them, empower them and then give them what they need to do a brilliant job for you – so the benefits far exceed the costs.
Every staff member will need something different from the other. For each team member consider their individual circumstances, then work out a win-win. That’s a good start.
For example, Dave in accounts may like the fact that you give him flexible work hours and the ability to sometimes work from home. Meanwhile Mary in sales may want to work only part time meaning lower sales commissions and less customers to manage. Or Dylan might like you checking in with him daily just to say hi how are you, while Jane in IT would prefer that all your requests for improvements are emailed to her rather than your current way of randomly swinging by her desk.
Basically, treat people how they want to be treated, not how you want to be treated.
Then it’s about you consistently checking in with them – informally and formally. Keep them engaged in doing their role to the best of their ability, with your support (only when needed).
If you know there’s more you could be doing, then get on with it now. Your people are a priority. You are paying them and if you are not enabling the best possible opportunity for them to thrive in your business, then you are wasting the opportunity to
leverage their potential.
Where to start depends on where you are right now. If you need some help putting together
the right programme and leadership approach, get professional assistance. An investment in
motivated staff is likely to pay off.
Crowe Horwarth
0800 494 569
Partner - Tauranga
Partner - Auckland
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