The Newsletter dedicated to Managers and Business Owners

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

You and I have heard it time and time again…. “Why should I?”

Whether verbally or subconsciously, employees will say this over and over again during a shift of work, and on your time.

Really ask yourself this question. “What is it that I am doing that would make my employees want to go the extra mile for me?” Then ask yourself, “What employees do I currently have that do go the extra mile for me, and what am I doing to show my appreciation for them?”

When surveyed by the National Underwriters, 200 managers said that recognition for a job well done outranked both money and challenge. On a 1 to 6 scale, recognition was a 4.9, money a 4.8, and challenging work a 4.3.

A 1999 Wichita State University survey showed that employees rated a manager’s “Thanks” as the MOST motivational incentive of all. With that being said, the survey also said that only 58% of employees ever received a personal thank you.

You may be saying to yourself right now, “I already know this”. I am sure that most managers have “heard” it, but do we really apply it and use it to our advantage?

It makes one think. If so many managers know the importance of recognition, why do so many of them practice it incorrectly? Especially when their employees are responsible for their promotions, pay, and quality of life at work.

Has anybody ever heard this?…- “I can do a hundred things right and not hear a darn thing about it. I do one thing wrong, and they’re right on my back.”

Are you riding someone’s back for being a good employee? True leaders are efficient at pointing out the positive qualities and negative qualities of their employees equally. We call this, “being constructive”. The simple act of reprimand and the lack of appreciation are both “destructive” behaviors.

Here’s an example:

Jonathon was an up and coming assistant manager for a major U.S. retailer. He had worked for the company since high school. He was a pillar of that store and was very loyal to his manager.

Jonathon’s manager was very proud of him. He treated him almost like a son.

The problem that later surfaced for the manager was that Jonathon up and left the company. While Jonathon was walking out the door, his manager asked him why he was leaving.

Jonathon turned to him and said, “I have a new opportunity”. “Where?” the manager asked. “There’s a man that has been a loyal customer to us for over 6 years. He said he was impressed by my work ethic, so he offered me a job.”

Being a numbers man, the manager asked, “What kind of pay are you going to get”? Jonathon said, “exactly the same”, and turned to walk out the door of the store he had poured his heart to for more than 8 years.

Three years later, the manager saw Jonathon, his wife, and two young kids. He looked happy, was dressed in a nice suit, and drove a brand new Lexus.

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…”

Continued next month …

Josh Long