Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/498244
54 • MAY 2015 • WORLD FENCE NEWS THE HUMAN LINK by Jim Lucci Management Motivational Associates Continuing on our look back into the modern history of the fence in- dustry, I thought it might be fruitful to review some thoughts I previously shared regarding a topic that is an on- going concern at all times. I refer to comments I made in the January 1996 issue of the World Fence News on the subject of gaining and retaining good help. While it's true the actions suggested will work better in the off season, there will be times as you need to expand or make changes mid-season on the fly, and these thoughts might prove helpful. Let's start out with the opening lines of a column: "I can't get decent help!" "Nobody wants to work any- more!" Do these statements – or ones very close to them – sound familiar? The common battle cry has con- sistently been "nobody worth having" is responding to our help wanted ap- peals. In fact, in too many places I visit, this seems to be a major excuse managers and owners alike offer for not having the kind of success they should have. (I might add while we have gotten better, those complaints are still being heard in my travels.) After listening to these com- plaints for awhile, I ask one simple, basic, yet totally necessary question: "While it is always difficult to get help that exactly fills the job description, would you really know good help if you fell over it?" Most people are taken aback by this question. They usually stammer and stutter and search for defensive comebacks, which suggests to me that they haven't thought about it, at least not objectively. As a general thought, their defi- nition of good help is someone who walks through the door and instantly knows how to mind read or think on the same level as the owner, knows ex- actly how and what to do, and who can make executive level decisions regard- less of the job description (if there are job descriptions) that they were hired for in the first place. The result of this thought process is usually failure, a negative develop- ment of employee loyalty, an ineffec- tive work force, and, ultimately, a re- volving door policy. Since it seems that this "philoso- phy" is unworkable, I then spent time looking at different thought processes, one of which I offer for your consider- ation in answer to the challenges that lie ahead in creating a good staff. I then went on to discuss the im- portance of objectively developing a training program which must be de- veloped based on job descriptions and company goals for their current work force before you can expect to hire and develop new people. This is true regardless of position, whether they are company installers, management, salespeople, or office workers. Good help starts with good training, initiated by ownership and management outlining a clear direc- tion and means to reach its business goals. Without a game plan, you will have and deserve a so-called "revolv- ing door" operation. We then spent some time talking about your full time workers and the need for good, solid training pro- grams and procedural development, if for no other reason than these people are being entrusted with your good company name and reputation every day of the week! And, as far as the "public" is con- cerned, your employees are the com- pany. Their direction and leadership must initiate with you, the owner or Journey back in time – Through the years, part 3 continued on page 56 SECURE GATE SYSTEMS, INC. Original Manufacturer of Preassembled High Security Emergency Egress Gates Opens Every Time with Patented Reliability Toll Free 866-725-6995 • www.securegatesystems.net Visit Logical Decisions at www.ldi.com Your Gate Operator Specialist Find us on A www.seaccesstech.com check out our website for special online offers Weatherproof stainless steel construction. Gate can be latched/unlatched via cell phone. Easy programming via cell phone or computer. No wires from the gate to the house. No trenching for phone lines. Works with standard prepay or contract GSM/SIM card technology. Never miss a call, ALWAYS seem at home. Back light for call button and key pad. Keyed front door. 2 year limited warranty. com SAT-GS100 SAT-GS100 Open gates from your phone. Allows caller ID access. Up to 100 number memory. No need for key fobs. Android and iPhone apps available. Hold open feature. Check gate status when away from home. Small enough to fit inside of gate opener.