The Tribune

Every business leader and owner seeks to improve employee productivity and efficiency on a daily basis. We often fail to realise that the little things make a huge difference in how employees respond to our leadership, clients and our business as a whole.

Today’s discussion focuses attention on 10 actions that business owners and senior executives can take to improve employee relations, and motivate staff towards greater success:

1. Random acts of kindness

Employees feel appreciated when leaders care enough to speak kind words and give unsolicited tokens.

1. Sporadic workplace walk-abouts

Without being intrusive, employees are more productive when they know their leaders are visible and the probability of them being checked on is high.

1. Deliberate, and calculated, employee rewards and recognition

Deserving employees should always be highlighted for their efforts. This serves as positive reinforcement to the exceptional employee, and motivation to those less enthused.

1. Show value to the work that employees produce

When employees produce work assignments and complete deadlines (big or small), give feedback and let them know that their efforts are appreciated.

1. Celebrate employee success in their personal and professional lives

Taking an interest in employees, their families, personal pursuits and goals goes a long way in creating strong relationships between employer and employee.

1. Correct errors with tact

Employers who learn to correct and discipline their employees with respect are valued highly. The goal of correction must always be developmental.

1. Use all avenues of communication and keep them informed

Employees who are kept ‘in the loop’ and receive information from their employers are typically more engaged. Talk often and allow employees to engage as well. An ‘open door policy’ must be more than talk.

1. Provide career development consistently

Conversations about employee advancement, promotions and professional development must be frequent between the employer and employee.

1. Delegate meaningful responsibilities

Dumping meaningless assignments on subordinates is sometimes common practice in leadership. Employees are more likely to remain engaged and motivated when they know their work has meaning, and contributes greatly to the CORE of the business.

1. Review and increase the compensation package

As the business grows and opportunities arise to provide additional benefits to employees, employers must seize those opportunities.

Give the employee a sense of worth and make them feel as if their role has meaning each day. Make this the mantra of every leader, and Corporate Bahamas changes forever.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.