01 Jul 8 Tips to Get and Keep Good Employees
“I can’t get good employees.” How often have you heard this from small business owners?
Cultivating a good team is an essential challenge. Here are some tips for attracting and retaining good employees:
- Model integrity. Say what you’ll do, then do what you say.
- Always be respectful to employees and customers, even when you’re angry. People hear how you talk about others in moments of frustration and assume that’s how you’ll talk about them when they make mistakes.
- Even if you know the answer, help the employee figure it out.
- Let your employees make little mistakes and then show the leadership compassion when you unscramble the problem.
- Focus local for employees. A short commute is high value these days.
- Don’t be afraid to hire people who are smarter than you. When you do, let them help you.
- Focus on total compensation, not just the salary. Put in place bonus plans so that when the business does well, everyone does well.
- Hire slow, fire fast.
If you are purchasing a business, the training and transition phase is important. Usually, the seller will assist, helping you understand the ins and outs of your new business and providing stability for both your new employees and your customers. Hopefully, your new business also comes with some veteran employees who know the ropes. Try to resist making sweeping changes right away. Employees may feel uncertain working for a new business owner. Some consistency will help them feel comfortable to keep doing their jobs. It also gives you a chance to make more informed decisions. For more tips on setting yourself and your employees up for a smooth transition, click here.
