Nex Media • Vol 5 Issue 3
51
He lists six points which bosses should bear in mind when dealing with
employees. You may not agree with all of them, but some should be cast in
stone.
1. Take their problems on as your own.
2. Be there for them when they need you.
3. Defend them, even when it is not easy.
4. Create an atmosphere of appreciation and mutual trust.
5. Never patronise them and never criticise them in public.
6. Create opportunities for them, not rules.
Employees are not exempt from his wisdom. For loyal employees he lays
down four guidelines:
1. Care about success – of the team, the boss and yourself.
2. Tell the boss what he needs to hear, not necessarily what he wants to
hear – (but do it respectfully).
3. Never disagree with your boss in public, and always support his decisions
publicly.
4. Work hard and be dependable.
Bosses must always remember that they are leaders. This means that the
level of responsibility on them is greater than on their employees and they
must, therefore, consider things on a larger scale. Feelings should have less
of a place in their decisions. Oleg commented, ‘If we are not ready to be loyal
to our loyal employees, we are not ready to lead them.’
The second author to speak out at the end of 2017 about treatment of
employees was Brigette Hyacinth. She is a leadership expert and motivational
speaker. She is the author of ‘The Edge of Leadership: A Leader’s Handbook
for Success’, and three other related titles. She is also the Founder of MBA
Caribbean Organisation which specialises in seminars and workshops in
leadership, management and education. Her most powerful comment is,
‘Employees are your most valuable resource.’
Brigette quotes a number of leading entrepreneurs who have become
known for their focus on their employees. She quotes Richard Branson,
founder of the Virgin group who stated, ‘Put your staff first, your customers
second and your shareholders third.’ JW Marriott Jr, Executive Chairman and
Chairman of the Board of Marriott International, one of the largest lodging
companies in the world with 700 000 employees is quoted as saying, ‘Take
good care of your employees, and they’ll take good care of your customers,
and the customers will come back.’
Brigette stated, ‘Employees are the backbone of any organisation, in order
to remain strong in an industry, employees have to be kept happy. Charity
begins at home. If you want to get the best out of your employees – put them
first.’
The relationship between employers (bosses) and employees will always
be a tenuous one. While bosses have to put their personal feelings aside
when dealing with employees, the employees on the other had, base all their
reactions to their bosses on their feelings. In addition, in the eyes of the law,
employees appear to have greater rights than employers.
It is important then to consider that unhappy employees can have
a detrimental affect on your company. Their ‘mood’ can result in lower
productivity, actual losses – whether financial or in goods, damage to
property, goods or personnel health and safety. They can also cause damage
to the company reputation whether through public platforms such as
newspapers or social media, or through direct future contact with customers.
While ensuring that your staff are well-compensated for the work that
they do, which is one way of ensuring that they remain loyal – everyone
wants to think that they are paid their true worth – it is not the only way.
Unsolicited words of thanks or encouragement go a long way to boost morale
and a sense of accomplishment. This is just as important for staff doing only
what is expected of them, as it is for those going the extra mile. On the other
hand, ignoring additional effort and above-and-beyond contributions, can
instantly destroy all loyalty.
Employees – Remember, this is a two-way street, you have to respect
your boss, he is in the position he currently holds because of the sacrifices he
has had to make to get there and the bosses he has had to deal with over the
years.
Bosses – Remember, at some point in all our lives we were the lowly
employee and we had to ‘suffer’ under the iron fist of a boss who we disliked
– try not to succumb to the same power-hunger which made that person a
bad boss. Also, be prepared to do as much or more than your staff. This will
demonstrate your commitment to the team rather than to your position and
title.
Carlos Slim Helú, a Mexican business magnate, engineer, investor,
and philanthropist and currently the seventh-richest person in the world –
according to Forbes – is quoted by Brigette as saying, ‘Treat your employees
well – as if one day, you will report to them.’
A mutually respectful and loyal team comprising staff and the bosses who
lead them, can become virtually unstoppable. This benefits everyone, not just
the top of the pyramid.
