Hug Your People

Your Business Needs Your People

Many company leaders claim that their associates (a much better term than “employees”) are their most valuable assets, even if they do not always treat them in that light. The most important rule for business leaders to remember is, “Everyone wants to feel appreciated.”

Treat staffers with respect and consideration every day, not once a quarter or once a year during some employee-recognition event. This is the right thing to do and it is smart business. If you fail to treat people properly, you’ll harm your firm: Your employees will be unhappy; they will not feel motivated and their productivity will suffer. They will feel no loyalty to your firm. Do not keep your associates at a psychological distance. Hug them metaphorically (and even physically). Make your company “people-centric.”

Keep five principles in mind as you organize your company’s relationship with your associates: “be nice”; “trust”; “instill pride”; “include”; and “generously recognize them.” Employing these actions in a personalized way will guarantee a loyal workforce.

How to Be Nice

What is your true attitude toward your employees? Do you regard ...