Happy Employees Increase Profits
People over profit. What does that look like? Recently, I met with a new client to get a feel for the company before I drafted the proposal. The company operates restaurants in major airports and was looking for some basic workshops for their managers in conflict resolution and basic body language recognition. As the Director and I walked through the sites, I took notice of her interactions with the various managers and crew members and it was amazing. First of all, almost everyone smiled when they saw her. Why? Everything about her connection with them showed that she cared. She cared about them, yes there was work to be done but she rarely asked about business or supplies or any of that “operations” stuff. She asked about them. When we sat down (after a 3-mile walk), we talked about the company philosophy, and she summed it up in 3 words: “People over profits”.
Playing the Tape Forward
At one point, I asked her what would happen if I applied for a position but had no experience. She started smiling and said, “I love you already”. Not the answer I was expecting but it was indicative of the company’s philosophy. She said that she could teach me to cook a hamburger or be a bartender. If I didn’t have the ability to do the work, I wouldn’t have been called in for an interview. She was looking for something more, someone that could grow with the company, could be groomed for leadership positions from the day they hit the door. It wasn’t about my skills; it was about my prospect for the future. Her actions were evident everywhere. There were GMs who had been there for more than a decade, starting out as food runners and baristas.
Show Them You Care
Think about it. Investing in people increases productivity and increased productivity means bigger profits. It’s not rocket science. Treat people with respect and dignity. I’m sure you do care but do you show it? If not, it’s time to start; not only with your team but also with your boss. Start your conversations with “how are you?”, not with “we need to talk”. They’ll fear you less and trust you more.
The workplace doesn’t have to be a dungeon and you don’t have to be a taskmaster. As the boss, you get to hire people and I am asking you to interview your applicants keeping their well-being top of mind. Help them to wake up in the morning and say “I get to go to work, not I have to go to work. I know it sounds pretty simplistic and all touchy feeling but think about how you respond when someone shows you they care. Sometimes, upping our management game is as simple as being a good person.
Much thanks to Angel and High-Flying Foods
Once again, Vikki has given us great insights on how to be the type of insightful and successful manager we want to be. Her call to action is a simple one, but a powerful one – be a goood person.