If you’re a leader, don’t ask your employees to do something you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself. Even if it’s something like scrubbing toilets or picking up trash. Lead by example. Train people to take your place. Emergencies happen, life happens, retirement happens. You won’t be in that position forever.
Good stuff Bill. I was blessed for over twenty years to work for someone that knew not to micromanage. They matched skills to jobs and let them run. They knew the best way to get the most out of me was to let me do my job without interference. I was never told what to do. If they wanted me to do something they would ask if I would mind or if I had time or could you do me a favor. I would gladly accommodate them. An order is a task, an ask is a favor. Micromanaging kills productivity. If you need to micromanage you have the wrong people.
This was one of the best posts yet. And I speak from experience… having lived the lessons Bill shared. Each of these hard won lessons has a story behind it. Be grateful you get the refined and condensed version.
Great Advice. I ran my business for 47 years and in order for a business to last 47 years you must be doing things right and have a good product. I was very selective in who I hired. All staff was trained thoroughly and paid for training. I never expected my staff to do anything I wouldn't do. I always made time to meet with them. I only expected them to complete their duties and if time allowed...they were free to do anything they wanted. Most of my staff went on to be very successful and in many cases "popular". The one thing I told every staff member when hired,
"Don't expect this job to make you rich. Use this job as a stepping stone to a bigger and successful career". Once again most of them did exactly that and I am proud of them.
If you’re a leader, don’t ask your employees to do something you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself. Even if it’s something like scrubbing toilets or picking up trash. Lead by example. Train people to take your place. Emergencies happen, life happens, retirement happens. You won’t be in that position forever.
Your walk speaks louder than your talk.
Wow! So good. You should teach a seminar!
This right here, is so good! Thank you for writing. It is so thought-full and the truth! (Hmmmm, do I see an “Ask Bill” column coming?) 🤔
Ask Bill….that would be fun :)
Good stuff Bill. I was blessed for over twenty years to work for someone that knew not to micromanage. They matched skills to jobs and let them run. They knew the best way to get the most out of me was to let me do my job without interference. I was never told what to do. If they wanted me to do something they would ask if I would mind or if I had time or could you do me a favor. I would gladly accommodate them. An order is a task, an ask is a favor. Micromanaging kills productivity. If you need to micromanage you have the wrong people.
This was one of the best posts yet. And I speak from experience… having lived the lessons Bill shared. Each of these hard won lessons has a story behind it. Be grateful you get the refined and condensed version.
Great Advice. I ran my business for 47 years and in order for a business to last 47 years you must be doing things right and have a good product. I was very selective in who I hired. All staff was trained thoroughly and paid for training. I never expected my staff to do anything I wouldn't do. I always made time to meet with them. I only expected them to complete their duties and if time allowed...they were free to do anything they wanted. Most of my staff went on to be very successful and in many cases "popular". The one thing I told every staff member when hired,
"Don't expect this job to make you rich. Use this job as a stepping stone to a bigger and successful career". Once again most of them did exactly that and I am proud of them.
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Well said!
Excellent, Bill and on point. This content would make a great 'little book' for leaders!