Keeping your Best Employees - A Different Approach
By Michael C. Dennis, MBA, CBF

It is essential for companies to find ways to keep their best employees. It is equally important to motivate them to give their full attention and best efforts to the work assigned to them. The following

Don't Send Mixed Messages

Don't follow a compliment with a criticism ["You did an outstanding job on assignment A, but on assignment B you forgot...] The compliment will be overshadowed by the criticism. In all likelihood, the criticism is all the employee will remember.

Ask Your Subordinates for their Opinions

If you do, make sure you listen and implement the good ideas. Ignoring their opinions, or failing to give credit to your subordinate for a good idea will undermine the process of asking for their opinions.

Lead by Example

"Do as I say, not as I do" is a recipe for trouble. Supervisors must lead by example.

Don't Underestimate the Power of Praise

When employees exceed your expectations, tell them so. Compliments and praise can provide encouragement to employees at every level.

Give Subordinates Some Control Over their Work

Allow subordinates to exercise some control of their work schedules. Employees feel more empowered if their supervisor or manager does not choreograph their entire day.

Work Smarter

If all it took to be successful in business was hard work, then coal miners and assembly line workers would be among America's wealthiest citizens. Activity does not equal productivity or efficiency. As a manager, do what you can to make sure your subordinates prioritize, use time management skills, and understand the difference between work that is urgent, and work that is important.