Management - Getting the Best From Employees

Managers are ultimately judged on their ability to deliver results through others. In the modern workplace, the traditional command and control approaches are unlikely to be effective, other than in times in crisis. Employees are much more mobile than they have been historically. They also recognise that there is no such thing as a job for life. Given this change in the landscape, how can managers get the best from employees?
Give them the opportunity to contribute
Employees are full of idea and suggestions. Some of these might just be the thing that transforms a department, team or project from poor to exceptional performance. Yet in truth many managers get so caught up in the roles and norms of the organisation that they either:
• Never create the time or opportunity for employees to contribute their views and ideas
• Create the opportunity for employees to offer their views but fail to listen to them and fully understand them
If you want to get the best from your biggest asset (and expense), start giving your people the opportunity to really contribute their views and ideas.
Reward people fairly
While money by itself is rarely a motivator for employees, it is important to ensure that people are fairly rewarded. An employee will see rewards as being fair if they are in line with similar posts in similar organisations of a similar size.
As a manager you need to be keeping track of what the comparisons are and making the case for appropriate rewards for people.
Treat people well
Most people spent a significant part of their week in work and in the main strive to do a good job. If you aim to treat employees as you want to be treated yourself, chances are you will not go far wrong. Respect your employees and give them the opportunity to grow, develop and make a difference.
Bottom Line: If you use them well, people really can be your greatest asset and help you to achieve great success as a manager. The question is, are you ready to grab this opportunity.