The majority of businesses today are wondering how to improve their sales, revenue or market share as they enter 2007.
In my reading file, I came across two pieces that really hit home. When you read the items below, it may appear to be basic stuff, but if you think about it, dealing with people is not rocket science.
Perhaps just remembering the Golden Rule is sufficient. But I have listed some back-to-basics items that I guarantee, if practiced, will improve your bottom line.
No matter what business or industry you are in, you are probably looking for ways to boost your organization's productivity. Some of the tips gathered below should help every manager and supervisor on this endless quest.
1) Clarify the task. You and your people must know what specific tasks you are expected to perform and how your results are being measured. What are your objectives, deadlines and standards of performance? Do not let goals become too ambiguous.
2) Emphasize commitment. People work harder if they are committed to a project. You can increase commitment by involving employees in planning and decision making for the tasks they perform. Let them know how they fit into the teams and why an assignment is important.
3) Prioritize. Contradictory directive are confusing and wasteful. Employees should be able to distinguish between high and low priority tasks, both under supervision and independently.
4) Assign the right people. We function best when our jobs match our personal style and temperament. Try to ask people to perform tasks that maximize their talents and abilities. Give them the authority they need to use their skills effectively.
5) Provide the proper tools and training. Employees need support to build their knowledge and self-confidence. Give people opportunities to learn new skills or continue to explore areas they have already achieved a level of competence in.
6) Let people know what rewards to expect. Personal and professional rewards linked to your department or organization's accomplishments can be a powerful motivator. Give employees a chance to choose their own rewards, if possible, so they will l be working or something they value.
7) Give feedback. Feedback is like a road map that lets drivers know how close they are to the destination. Give your people accurate, objective evaluations of their work in a way that lets them know their work is valued by the organization and that motivates them to continue to do their best.
8) Allow employees freedom. Treat your people like mature, intelligent adults. Give them freedom they need to do their jobs, without looking over their shoulders or requiring them to clear minor decisions with you or your superintendents.
9) Eliminate barriers. Help your staff identify and overcome anything preventing them from doing their best job they can. If you can not eliminate an obstacle, do your best to find out why it cannot be eliminated, so you can explain it thoroughly to your people.
10) Think about what you say. Doing what you promise is very important in business. Whether you are dealing with a customer or co-worker, be sure you listen to what you say and follow-up.
If you say: Be sure to:
I'll get back to you Get back to them
I'll find out Find out
I'll call her Call her
Take your time Give them time
I’ll try to help Try helping
I'll take care of it Take care of it
What do you think? Listen to what is said.
These tips are taken from The Effective Executive and Over Coffee.
In my reading file, I came across two pieces that really hit home. When you read the items below, it may appear to be basic stuff, but if you think about it, dealing with people is not rocket science.
Perhaps just remembering the Golden Rule is sufficient. But I have listed some back-to-basics items that I guarantee, if practiced, will improve your bottom line.
No matter what business or industry you are in, you are probably looking for ways to boost your organization's productivity. Some of the tips gathered below should help every manager and supervisor on this endless quest.
1) Clarify the task. You and your people must know what specific tasks you are expected to perform and how your results are being measured. What are your objectives, deadlines and standards of performance? Do not let goals become too ambiguous.
2) Emphasize commitment. People work harder if they are committed to a project. You can increase commitment by involving employees in planning and decision making for the tasks they perform. Let them know how they fit into the teams and why an assignment is important.
3) Prioritize. Contradictory directive are confusing and wasteful. Employees should be able to distinguish between high and low priority tasks, both under supervision and independently.
4) Assign the right people. We function best when our jobs match our personal style and temperament. Try to ask people to perform tasks that maximize their talents and abilities. Give them the authority they need to use their skills effectively.
5) Provide the proper tools and training. Employees need support to build their knowledge and self-confidence. Give people opportunities to learn new skills or continue to explore areas they have already achieved a level of competence in.
6) Let people know what rewards to expect. Personal and professional rewards linked to your department or organization's accomplishments can be a powerful motivator. Give employees a chance to choose their own rewards, if possible, so they will l be working or something they value.
7) Give feedback. Feedback is like a road map that lets drivers know how close they are to the destination. Give your people accurate, objective evaluations of their work in a way that lets them know their work is valued by the organization and that motivates them to continue to do their best.
8) Allow employees freedom. Treat your people like mature, intelligent adults. Give them freedom they need to do their jobs, without looking over their shoulders or requiring them to clear minor decisions with you or your superintendents.
9) Eliminate barriers. Help your staff identify and overcome anything preventing them from doing their best job they can. If you can not eliminate an obstacle, do your best to find out why it cannot be eliminated, so you can explain it thoroughly to your people.
10) Think about what you say. Doing what you promise is very important in business. Whether you are dealing with a customer or co-worker, be sure you listen to what you say and follow-up.
If you say: Be sure to:
I'll get back to you Get back to them
I'll find out Find out
I'll call her Call her
Take your time Give them time
I’ll try to help Try helping
I'll take care of it Take care of it
What do you think? Listen to what is said.
These tips are taken from The Effective Executive and Over Coffee.