Play to Your Strengths

High-performing employees make your life easier andprojects succeed. You might think they don't need much from you. But they do!To keep talented employees avoid these 7 Deadly Sinsand don't...

#1. Keep employees in the dark. 

It's easy to walk out of a meeting and forget toshare the issues and decisions made. The topics discussed don't feel thatimportant. But without updates on this information, employees worry aboutrumors, changing directions and how they will fit in. 

ACTION: When you return from a meeting, communicatethe details. Share what's happening and invite employees to give input oncurrent issues and decisions.  Don't assume they know what's happening.

#2. Promoteindividuals without compensating them. 

Avoidasking employees to consistently take on added responsibilities withoutadditional compensation. Employees want to be loyal and do a good job for you.But if their pay is not aligned with new roles you ask them to take - they'llfeel used. 

ACTION: Go to bat for employeecompensation. Dig into pay discrepancy issues. Don't wait until theemployee to come to you. Be proactive. Develop a reputation for being fair andstanding up for your people. 

#3. Expect them to compensate for poorperformers.

Your best and brightest employees are very capable.It's easy to allow them pick up the slack for others. This isdangerous. Don't expect individuals to compensate for another employee'slack of skill or motivation. They'll resent it and leave.

ACTION: Address performance issues head on. Letemployees know it's not their job to fix these problems. Invite individuals toshare their concerns about work that isn't getting done. Then do somethingabout it. 

4. Fail to give employee visibility. 

When employees succeed, make sure they get thecredit. It's your job to toot their horn. Let others know how they wereinvolved and what they did to contribute to a project's success. Never take thecredit away from them. 

ACTION: Look for opportunities to acknowledge greatwork. Write a thank you note and copy your boss. Share kudos in a staffmeeting. Invite employees to make presentations to executive and stakeholdergroups. Help employees shine!

5. Retain employees who want to leave.

Top-notch individuals are hard to replace. You maybe tempted to hold onto them  especially if you're in danger of losing thehead count. This is a lose-lose strategy. You risk losing the trust ofemployees and the company risks losing their talent. Word gets out.

ACTION: Encourage employees to apply for new jobsthat match their career interests. Be an advocate, not a barrier to theirsuccess. Sacrifice short-term gain for long -term success. Ensure yourreputation as a people-developer to attract the best employees.

6. Avoid offering critical feedback.

You might be great at offering praise for a jobwell done. But to growand develop, employees also need critical feedback and advice. Don't sugar-coatchallenges and areas the employee needs to grow. You'll stunt their development. 

ACTION: Balance praise with useful feedback andstretch goals. Initiate frequent two-way conversations about behaviors andattitudes that need to change.  Help employees develop their truepotential and they'll appreciate you for it.

7. Be unavailable to discuss employee'sfuture. 

You're very busy. Employees wait for opportunitiesto talk with you about their career. They are vitally interested in theircareer.  You should be too. Meeting once a year is woefullyinadequate to clarify employees' interests and identify career opportunities.

ACTION: Make time for career discussions. Have anopen door policy. Let employees know their career advancement is important toyou. Spend time helping individuals explore their interests and clarify actionsto achieve their goals.

Areyou ready put these ideas into action? Start by sharing this article with your staff. Invitethem to rank the 7 Deadly Sins sequentially from #1 (Very Important) to #7(Less Important) to them. Discuss your results and identify actions to take. Asthe economy refuels, don't be caught off-guard with key positions to fill.Avoid the 7 Deadly Sins and watch talented employees line up to work for you!

Topics

• Leadership