In Synch Them and Us

SELECTING the right employer is often as difficult a task, as selecting the right employee. Which brings us to the oft asked but never satisfyingly answered question: can an employer - employee have a perfect working relationship? Can they work together happily ever after? For a small organisation selecting the right candidate is not only important but critical. In a business with 25 people if 10 people do not perform, imagine the disaster!

Successful managers learn soon that they must possess ample energy and a clear road map of their career path to get them where they would like to be in the future. They push themselves all the time and make sure that the learning curve never plateaues. Well, this is how it should be, ideally. At the same time they would like to see their employees do the same too. Organisational wheels could well grind to a halt if employer/employee (read managers) do not see eye to eye on major issues and policies governing the organisation.

It has often been indicated that nearly 7 out 10 positions are filled through personal contacts. The better the job and pay, the greater the chance that it will be offered through a personal contact. If this is true, employers and employees should get along famously!

Us & Them

Do not let the feeling of `Us vs. Them' undermine your organisation. You and your employees are a team. So make sure you act like it is! It is not inconceivable for a tight, well knit entrepreneurial team to degenerate into a griping, grumbling group. There will be times when you might feel that your constant efforts are unappreciated by the staff . And when they start lobbying like the teamsters, you will feel the loss of team spirit.

Simple moves

Everyone loves the feeling of being recognised and acknowledged. Give it to them! Be professional enough to rise above petty jealousies and concentrate on the task at hand. If you have mastered the skills of team leadership and are trusted and well- liked by your employees, you can be pretty sure they will be loyal and exhibit higher productivity.

Once in a while turn the spotlight away from yourself. Talk 20 percent and listen 80 percent of the time. Let people talk about their favourite subject— themselves ! When you are listening you can be in charge of the conversation and steer it where you will. You will be surprised at what you may learn. Flatter your people occasionally by thanking them for a job well done.

At the helm

As the manager you need high levels of collaboration and enough enthusiasm for your entire group. Though you may not give credence to the history of employee-management antagonism, it is a reality that you need to check. Do not let the `old ways of working' slip into your style of management.

Do not visualise the problem of divisiveness as `their' problem. Make it yours. This shift in view will help you be more in control of the problem and make you more comfortable working on it.

As an employer or a manager, have the courage to share your concerns with your employees /team. Challenge your team to be one: in spirit, not just in name.

PADMA

padma.hyd@cnkonline.com