If you have problems with staff retention and you lose staff you don’t want to lose then you need to read this blog.
In my Partners For Profit newsletter for this week I will be sending out limited time access to a back copy of Better Business Focus from November 2006.
This includes a great article by Ken Blanchard (yes, the Ken Blanchard of One Minute Manager fame) about how to retain your staff called “The Talent Contest”.
In a survey that Ken’s company did, it was discovered that 50% or more of an individual’s job satisfaction depends on the relationship they have with their immediate manager.
Think of the implications.
Bad managers drive away good people.
It is an expensive business recruiting, inducting and training new employees so you could save some money if you can identify those managers who seem to lose their staff quickly. Just give them some training on what their team want from the boss.
The article goes on to outline 10 staff/team retention strategies:
- Show an interest in your team and make sure that you show that you value them.
- Make sure that their work is meaningful – does your team know and understand the difference your business can make to people’s lives and the consequences of good and bad service?
- Ask people to stay. Make people feel wanted.
- Help your team members to develop their skills.
- Meet with each employee individually and do it regularly. Listen to what they have to say.
- Make it clear that retention is everybody’s responsibility. If there is a genuine problem then make sure that managers are told about it and given the chance to solve it.
- Help people to develop their careers. It may mean that they move along but, if they feel that you are supporting them in their goals, they may stay around longer and do better work while there.
- Tell people what great performance looks like.
- Manage change well with clear communications and as much involvement as possible.
- Walk the talk. Nothing loses the respect of staff faster than saying one thing but doing another.
This is an excellent article by Ken Blanchard (who I rate very highly) but it will only be available to my newsletter readers until 31 October 2007.
I highly recommend these books by Ken Blanchard on staff management and team building and full reviews will appear over the next few months. Just follow the affiliate links through to Amazon and if you haven’t read any of them, then start with “The One Minute Manager”.
The One Minute Manager Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com (an absolute classic – simple but effective – see my 5 star review)
Putting the One Minute Manager To Work Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com
Leadership and the One Minute Manager Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com My Review
The One Minute Manager Meets The Monkey Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com (a great book if your staff keep passing problems to you – My Review)
The One Minute Manager Builds High Performing Teams Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com
Are you a fan of Ken Blanchard’s work? Are you a One Minute Manager? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.
[bestbooks]
Getting To Know Me
[sos]
[6Steps]
Similar Posts:
- The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson – 5 Stars
- The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey by Ken Blanchard – 5 Stars
- Leadership and the One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard, Patricia Zigarmi and Drea Zigarmi – 5 Stars
- Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
- Gung Ho! by Kenneth Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
