Nobody needs to be told how important it is that employees do the jobs they’re supposed to do and do these jobs to the best of their ability. Most public sector managers constantly look for ways to improve job performance. In his book, “How to Get Your Employees to Do What They’re Supposed to Do”, Robert Half identifies a number of “tips” that can be incorporated into an organization’s day-to-day operations. Consider the following:
- HUMANIZE THE WORK ENVIRONMENT
- HIRE SMART
- AVOID OVERSTAFFING
- SPELL OUT ASSIGNMENTS
- DELEGATE WHEREVER POSSIBLE
- ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEE INPUT
- PUBLICIZE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S GOALS
- IF POSSIBLE, ENCOURAGE PROMOTIONS FROM WITHIN
- SET THE PROPER EXAMPLE
- ROTATE JOB RESPONSIBILITY
- USE A “CARROT” NOT A “STICK” TO MOTIVATE
- PUT “STRETCH” INTO ASSIGNMENTS – PROVIDE CHALLENGE
- ESTABLISH APPROPRIATE DEADLINES
- BE LIBERAL WITH PRAISE
- CRITICIZE WITH TACT
- TELL THE TRUTH
- SAY “NO” TACTFULLY
- SET UP AN EFFECTIVE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
- DON’T TAKE NEED FOR TRAINING FOR STAFF LIGHTLY.
- INDIVIDUALIZE RESPONSIBILITY.
- GET RID OF “BAD APPLES”.
- DON’T “WHITEWASH” UNPLEASANT ASSIGNMENTS.
- TAKE CONTROL OF “TIME THEFT”.
- BE AWARE OF THE SIGNALS OF AN UNPRODUCTIVE WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
- HOLD MEETINGS ONLY WHEN NECESSARY.
- BE CONSISTENT.
- SHOW A PERSONAL INTEREST IN THE PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR YOU.
- LEARN FROM EMPLOYEES WHO QUIT.
- ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES.
- LET YOUR EMPLOYEES IN ON THE ECONOMIC FACTS OF LIFE.
EXTRACTED FROM THE PUBLICATION BY ROBERT HALF – HOW TO GET YOUR EMPLOYEES TO DO WHAT THEY’RE SUPPOSED TO DO. ©