Show Respect for Employees
• Set reasonable & clear expectations.
• Be willing to train.
• Grant practical autonomy to step out and do the job.
• Avoid lip service, i.e. don't just say, "People are important."
• Show that you care. Caring runs in the veins of good managers.
• Foster a culture of' mutual respect.
Communication: A Good Communicator is a Good Listener
An effective listener:
• stops talking
• shows employees you want to listen and are interested
• listens to understand, rather than to reply
• removes distractions
• empathizes
• is patient
• asks questions
• maintains eye contact
• always tells the truth
Managing through Change
When change becomes necessary (i.e. policy, people):
• Do it quickly.
• Say why is it being done.
• Explain how it will affect each person.
• Don't expect resistance or you'll get it.
• Don't make trivial changes.
• Allow time for people to get used to change.
• Meet with employees often, informally, face-to-face.
• Ask employees what they think.
• Talk to employees in their language.
Motivate Employees
• People want recognition and praise more than money (on average).
• Commend good work.
• Criticize in private.
• Be upbeat and positive – enthusiasm is contagious. Smile.
• Reward exceptional performance – dinner, gift certificate, plaque, day off.
• Create a team attitude.
• Don't play favorites or discriminate.
• Be visible, be on the "front line" now and then.
• Know/understand how it feels to "walk in their moccasins."
The following are helpful Web sites on Managing People:
www.businesstown.com - link to the topic on managing people.
www.nmc.nwu.edu - Northwestern University Media Management Center.
www.top7business.com - link to management for tips.
www.managementhelp.org - management library.