Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Effective Employee Management? Look to the Golden Rule. It should go without saying: treating your employees with respect is the mark of a great manager.

By Penny Morey

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

How can I motivate my employees in order to maintain high job satisfaction, productivity, quality of work while reducing employee turnover?

My professional theory is as basic as treating people as you wish to be treated. Lead through example (e.g., be on time and “present” for meetings; talk only when you have something of substance to say -- not every thought that you have is superior because you are in charge -- encourage others to express their ideas). Ensure that everyone fully understands his/her job and has the knowledge/training, tools, and encouragement to do that job.

Stay out of the way (i.e., do not micromanage and demotivate workers by making them feel powerless) and cross-train by offering plenty of opportunities to learn new skills or hone existing ones. Show people that you genuinely see and value their contributions by abundantly and publicly praising, recognizing and rewarding those who produce quality work reliably and who exhibit a ‘can do’ attitude. Assess traits that are holding people back and help them to see how to improve.

Related: How Making Employees Lifelong Learners Can Help Your Company Succeed

If you encourage people to take risks, be sure to let them know that you will support them -- even if they make a mistake. This is vital in my opinion.

Managers who do all of these things effectively don’t see excessive turnover. Of course, you will lose some ambitious people -- very often your most outstanding ones -- if you cannot offer them promotional opportunities. But if you are a capable leader, good people will always respect you and want to work with you; and even if they have to move on due to their family obligations or whatever, they will be happy to return to working with you if and when you have an opportunity available at their level.

Related: 5 Ways to Become a Better Manager
 

Penny is a seasoned human resources executive and consultant with over 25 years of diverse business experience in advising enterprise leaders on employment-related matters.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

'Creators Left So Much Money on the Table': Kickstarter's CEO Reveals the Story Behind the Company's Biggest Changes in 15 Years

In an interview with Entrepreneur, Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor explains the decision-making behind the changes, how he approaches leading Kickstarter, and his advice for future CEOs.

Business Ideas

87 Service Business Ideas to Start Today

Get started in this growing industry, with options that range from IT consulting to childcare.

Business Models

How to Become an AI-Centric Business (and Why It's Crucial for Long-Term Success)

Learn the essential steps to integrate AI at the core of your operations and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Marketing

5 Steps to Preparing an Engaging Industry Presentation

You can make a great impression and generate interest with an exciting, informative presentation. Find out my five secrets to creating an industry presentation guaranteed to wow.