The Newsletter dedicated to Managers and Business Owners

Do Your Employees Go The “Extra Mile” For You?

Continued from last month…

(Last Month’s Article)

The manager approached Jonathon. He said, “Jonathon, you look good. I really miss you at the store. I have yet to find another employee that I can count on like I could count on you.” Jonathon, with a smile on his face, said “thank you for that, and I’ve missed you too”.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what made you leave me so suddenly after so many years? And for the same pay no less”.

Jonathon turned to his ex-manager and said, “I loved that store. It was all I knew, but I just never felt like I was making a contribution. I wanted to succeed at something so I worked really hard for you. Each month you recognized an employee of the month, and that was good, but it was always someone that was new to the company or someone you felt “needed a boost”.

“I just felt like I was just expected to do a good job because that’s what I always did. Month after month I watched people get recognized as the employee of the month, when I knew they worked half as hard as I did.”

“One day after our team meeting I was thinking about moving on to something that would challenge me and recognize me. Just then, Mr. Peterson, who had always tried to recruit me for his business, walked in and offered me the same pay I was making. He told me if I proved myself, I would climb the ladder quickly.”

“Long story short, I did the same great work I did for you. I got employee of the month six out of ten months and I was promoted through the company. In the last three years I’ve been promoted eight times and next year I think I’ll be Vice President. It’s a small company, but I’ve never felt happier and more fulfilled.”

“Wow Jonathon, I’m really happy for you”, the manager said. “I’m really sorry for not recognizing you. I just felt like you knew how much I cared for you and that I could always trust you to do a good job.”

“No worries, it worked out for the best”, Jonathon said with a smile.

“Just remember, you are in a position to make a real difference in the lives of your employees. Even though they might not say it, they look up to you. In this business your employees will most likely move on eventually, but you could be the boss they never forget.”

Jonathon laughed, “it’s kind of like that influential teacher that made a huge impact on you even though you were only in fifth grade”.

“Anything you accomplish in your career will be built on the shoulders of your employees. The more they are lead and recognized, the more they will produce for you. That means your store will do better and you will be promoted faster.”

“I guess I never thought of it like that”, said the ex-manager.

“Well, my wife is waiting on me”, said Jonathon. “Just remember, you are only going to be successful if your employees are successful, both in work and in life. Recognize them, encourage them and you will both move on to do great things.”