Value your Staff and Customers

by Karen Wardle
(Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia)

When it comes to the traits of a good manager we often think of skills such as being a great communicator, organizing our time effectively, project management skills, and financial management skills.

But one of the most important skills for managers is the ability to empathise with clients and staff.

You need to put yourself in their shoes. Many managers make the mistake of underestimating the value of a great staff member or an already existing customer.

It is far more cost effective to keep an already existing employee or customer than it is to go out and find new ones. Most businesses could reduce both their marketing and recruitment budgets by investing a little time into developing the relationship with their staff and customers.

Also many managers make the mistake of hiring great people and then not allowing those people to develop and contribute. As a manager one of your biggest mistakes is in thinking that you are always right. Make the decision to hire the best people that you can afford and then allow them to get on with the job.

Often managers feel that they have to be right. They feel that they are responsible to make all decision, but the reality is, a good staff member should be allowed to disagree with you. In fact they should be encouraged to question and disagree.

It is counter-productive to have a team of 'yes' men. Your business will never reach it's full potential if staff members feel that they are excluded from the decision making process and the ultimate growth and potential development of the company.

By having an active input, staff members can will feel that they are not just employed by the company, but that they are the company. They are therefore more motivated, happier and fulfilled in their position.

A good manager understands that the more that he (or she) helps others, then the more that they will ultimately help themselves and their business.

Ann's Comments...
Karen,
You have made a lot of valuable points. This is great. Thanks for sharing! Ann