How to successfully manage your employees

Hire wisely
Most businesses hire bodies for particular jobs rather than people to help build a future. Your business is only as good as each individual employee’s contribution to its functioning. Therefore, look for the three I’s when you hire: intelligence, initiative and integrity.
For every position, from receptionist to packing clerk, hire only the best you can find. Conversely, if you have current employees who are not performing well, consider whether they are a wise investment of your money.

Build a team, not your ego
Many employers let their egos dominate their interactions with their employees. Stop the pattern. Instead, trust your employees to do their jobs. Make each employees feel that they are an invaluable member of the company team.
Let each employee know they are an integral parts of the company’s end product. Set the example for positive interaction at all times between members of the team even when ideas or performance must be corrected.

Reward well
When you get good employees, reward them financially and emotionally. Be sure their pay is at least market rate. Take time often to acknowledge each employee’s contribution. The two biggest loyalty builders are two simple words- thank you.

Be hands on
Know each employee’s job and how to do it. This not only gives you an automatic reserve employee and trainer (yourself), but has an added bonus. If you show an employee that you are willing to learn his job, you are communicating that you believe their work is worthwhile and valuable.

Make your employees versatile
In a small company, every employee should know how to do at least two jobs, particularly on the technical and service sides. For critical tasks, at least three employees should know how to do each job. Thus, you always have an on-the –premises reserve who can step in when needed.

Give away tasks but not ultimate leadership
What is it you do best? Are you the ideal man, the best salesman in your company, the organizer? Find your best talent and then delegate all other tasks to your employees. Train them appropriately to do their job, let them know you have confidence in their ability to perform well, and then let them do their jobs.
Adding responsibility with confidence will increase your employee’s willingness to work and their pride in the company’s end result .At the same time, you must maintain ultimate leadership. In any well run ship, the captain makes final decisions and you are still the captain, albeit a benign one.

Communicate
You must talk with your employees, solicit their suggestions and positively correct their mistakes. Conversely, you must create an atmosphere where employees are willing and able to talk with you. The two best sources of information on how your business is doing and how to improve it are employees and your customers. Pay attention to both.

Give your best and encourage the same in your employees
Pride in the company and its product or service always begins at the top. If you give a half effort or let a sloppily produced product to go out the door to a client, you are sending a message to your employees that you do not respect your clients or your work.
Your employees will adopt that view as well. If you set the example of giving the extra effort, pitching in when needed, caring about your fellow team members, working as a unit to be the best in your particular business, and taking care of the bottom line, your employees worth having and keeping will follow suit.

Encourage innovation and creation
Give your employees a stake in the future. Once a month, have a meeting where the employees make suggestions on how to improve your product, service, efficiency, or bottom line. Give positive encouragement for the process.

Have a second in command
No general goes into battle without a major who can take over if he is felled by a bullet. You are your business’ general and must act accordingly. Find someone you trust within your company who has the same goals ideals and a similar business style. Train him/her appropriately. Let others know he/she has your confidence and authority when you are gone.