The 24-arrot Manager.docVIP

The 24-Carrot Manager By Adrian Gostick Chester Elton This is a short and quick book given to me by a woman after attending one of my workshops discussing employee retention. Built along the lines of The One-Minute Manager, Who Moved My Cheese?, and other powerful books, does a good job of driving home a very simple point—you have to show that you care. The authors and I are in agreement with the following points: Managers and business owners have hidden fears when it comes to offering praise. These include not wanting to get too familiar with employees, not seeing what’s in it for them, not having the time, not wanting to play favorites and having it lose its impact over time. Oh, and of course, they may ask for more money. These fears are nonsense. Seldom, if ever, do they become one’s reality. There are hundreds of great ideas for helping to craft rewards. Here are some of them: Look at the items people display in their personal spaces to get ideas for personalized recognition awards. When you’re walking around and you notice something great, say so immediately to the employee. Make sure you are rewarding the right thing. Make sure to recognize at least one person at every meeting. Write a personalized note or thank you card. Emailing won’t do. Ask people what they want. See the attached form I created to help you do just that. Make the Going the Extra Mile reward proportionate to the employees’ efforts and outcomes. There are no bad ideas. Send a letter of praise to the employee’s home. Make sure to remember their special days. I calendar this information in my contact management program. See the form attached Getting to Know You Form. Let them use your parking space. Bring in their favorite cup of coffee. Give them money to take their co-worker to lunch. Offer golf lessons, maid service, take the whole team to a movie, take the afternoon off, and the list goes on. I suggest you take a look at the Retention Possibilities Spreadsheet on HR That Works. Wh