Now that mutiny is the furthest thought on your radar, your crew are sailing along smoothly. But what is that ahead? Another ship is fast approaching and armed to the gunnels with modern day head hunters, poachers and pirates and they’re coming to get your crew.
So what are some furniture retailers and manufacturers doing to keep their talented staff? One company boasts a profit sharing agreement with all staff, and another includes perks and gifts for high performing teams and individuals. But it’s important to keep in mind that it is often the invisible perks that create staying power for staff. Brandie Yarish – Director of Talent and Culture at Genologics Inc. rebranded their human resources department to ensure that the foundation was built on shared and compelling values. Brandie maintains that when all people practices are built around the core values, you create the engaging type of workforce that wants to stay with the company. Otherwise, she notes, you get culture by accident.
Values are reflected in your actions, in the areas that you speak about, pay attention to, promote to others, spend money on and are proud of. If workers’ values are misaligned from the work they do, the levels of discontent will continue to grow. Instead – re-visit your company values – explore with your teams what you stand for and understand where there is common ground and good alignment with your crew. A clear alignment of values helps talented staff to continue to develop commitment to their work place , which in turn, makes it difficult for poachers or pirates to lure them away.
The pirates are out there. Develop your strategies that will help to keep valued talent and seasoned sailors on board. Take time to double check that you are clear about your values, and understand the values of your crew. Listen carefully and understand what your employees want – begin by asking them “WHY” they stay. It sounds like a scary beginning to a conversation, but it will provide you, the supervisor, manager or owner, with a treasure chest of information!
The next step is to act on these findings and encourage open dialogue about values and celebrate values! More next week on celebrating with your crew and I’ll include some surprising checklists!
-Dawn McCooey
Author of the Bestselling “Keeping Good Employees On Board”
http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Good-Employees-Board-Strategies/dp/1600376541/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265048073&sr=1-1