Jacque Opie
So we spend so much time trying to make our customers feel great, but forget our first customer - our staff! Here are some ways to make them feel as special as they truly are!
Many business owners are so caught up in the way they do things that they are not open to change when their staff make suggestions on a different way of doing something. Shift your thinking. Open your mind to a new way, and you will have your staff owning what they do, because they have had some involvement in it.
We spend so much time running around after clients, and making our products and services perfect, that we forget about the moments we are creating with our staff. When you are with them, be WITH THEM! This goes for family too :)
Even when staff do something wrong, back them. I will never forget reading an article about someone who got sacked for making a genuine, first time mistake. Why? People learn from their mistakes. We don't want to pay someone new to make the same mistake again. When a client is involved, its even more important to back (not defend) our staff.
Having awesome work perks can make a huge difference for your team. Spend time calling around and get them stuff they want. For example, cheaper gym membership, a trampoline in the office, a good coffee machine, balls for throwing around. It doesn't matter what it is. If they want it, and its safe and fun, why wouldn't you?
This is things, as well as attitudes, guidelines, visions and values. A cool place to work is somewhere you feel cared for, valued, loved and... is clean, neat, awesome and super inspiring. It does not have to cost heaps of money! Get creative! Have FUN!
