Hand Over the Shovel -- Five steps to getting some help around here!

This time of year, many of us wish we could add more hours to the day, or perhaps clone ourselves so one of us could be at the office finishing the year-end reports, one could be shoveling the driveway and a third self could be picking up a few last-minute gifts.

Maybe it doesn’t have to be all you, doing everything, all the time. The next best thing to cloning yourself is taking some of your skills and abilities and transferring them to someone who can carry them out while you are doing other stuff.

It takes a little time on the front end, but the results are amazing. When the new skill is put into place, you will be a rockstar mentor, and your mentee will be bursting with their new accomplishment!

Example Skill: How to shovel the driveway.

Step 1: Explain. Tell them what, why and how to do the skill. Focus particular attention on the WHY. We need to shovel the driveway so we can get food; get to work or school; or go see a friend.

Step 2: Demonstrate. With many skills it is not enough to just tell someone how to do them. Actions speak louder than words. Show them how to start shoveling at an ideal spot, how to scoop and lift the snow, and where to pile it so it’s not in the way. Also, outline the specifics or even walk off the part of the driveway you want shoveled. If just a driving lane is ok, or if you want all of the concrete surface cleared of snow, show them. People will remember what you do more than what you say.

Step 3: Practice with Coaching.  In this step, allow the person to practice the skill, while you are coaching during the practice. Hand them the shovel and let them show you they can do the skill effectively and offer some advice if needed. NO YELLING in this step.

Step 4: Observe. Now, you can check your email or make a phone call while you watch them shoveling. Sweet!

Step 5: Feedback. After you observed, let them know how they did. This feedback should be 80% or more positive feedback, and 20% or less constructive criticism. If they fail at the skill then you failed in the transfer process.  Repeat if needed or marvel at your success!

Under-demeciated?

by B.J.

Windhorst

There are times when writers, including those writing movie scripts, take poetic license and, invent a word to make a point. Under-demeciated is just such a word.

As far as I know, the word was invented for the movie Bedtime Stories, starring Adam Sandler, who uses it to describe to his niece and nephew, how he feels about his job and how his boss neglects showing him gratitude or appreciation.

A few of you reading might be able to relate. And if you can, then you don't have to take a huge leap to get to the next question.

What are some of the main reasons you think people might quit their job?  Is it the pay? Do they start to dislike the company? Can they no longer tolerate the work environment? Or maybe they don't see how they fit in?

These are all valid reasons for quitting a job, but none of them is the primary reason. The U.S. Department of Labor recently conducted a survey of 10,000 employees at Fortune 1000 companies, and the survey said....the #1 reason why people quit their job is lack of appreciation!  Severe under-demeciation if you would ask Mr. Sandler.

The American Management Association estimates the low-end cost of replacing an employee is 30% of his or her salary, while other research estimates 150% of salary to replace a manager or person in a leadership position.

These statistics are financially staggering, but unfortunately issues regarding appreciation are not the top priority of most companies or organizations. Maybe they should be!

If you are a person of influence in your company, what kind of environment do you want to create? Is making your employees feel appreciated a top priority? If you are showing gratitude, how?  Does what you are doing make sense and is it effective?

Here are some ideas for making your team feel appreciated:

• Don't be afraid to stop, and have some fun.  This will let them know you are human, and make them feel more connected to you. Movies, field trips, company picnics... They will appreciate you for these periodic occasions!
• Take the time to know how each person likes to be recognized.  Just ask. They will appreciate your attention to detail!
• Empower your employees!  Give them the autonomy of decision making within their position, this is why you hired them!  Make them feel like they are the experts at what they do, this will instill more confidence in them and in you as their leader!
• Periodically take the pulse of your team.  Use a quick survey and create questions that will do two things for you:  1) give you some information about how they feel about their job, 2) give you some insight on any issues or obstacles of which you were unaware. Pay attention to those who are working late, going the extra mile, or showing an extra dedication to the job.

Here is a link to more ideas from Forbes magazine: 25 Ways to Reward Employees

Employees who feel appreciated are an integral part of a positive, effective, and efficiently productive work culture!  Some of the most notable companies like Orbitz, Scottrade, and Nokia have mastered creating a culture of appreciation for their employees!  Breaking down the old-school mentality which discourages warm-fuzzy types of tactics is a challenge for many companies in the corporate world.  Maybe you can find a way to make it rain gumballs -- it happens in Bedtime Stories.

The bottom line is, happy employees are productive employees!

Happy Holidays to you and yours!