You want to get work from your team, and for this they need to be motivated. They must want to produce results for you. They have to believe what you tell them. They have to know that you will be on their side when difficulties arise. They have to believe in you from a business point of view, and even if they do not necessarily like you on a personal level they must respect your integrity.

So be honest with your team at all times. Tell them what is required and make sure it is within their capabilities. Show them an example by your own efforts. If you promise rewards, make sure that they are delivered (and conversely, if you make a threat make sure that it is carried out if need be).

Speak up for your team to other management and in public. Defend them at all times against attack. Take responsibility for their collective performance. Be prepared to defend one of your team who is under attack from elsewhere in company. Keep your word at all times. Keep diciplinary matters private and confined to those directly concerned.

Straightforward honest dealings with your team will be appreciated, you can be sure of it. They will want to give you something in return. You cannot fail to get more from your team if you treat them properly. It is way world works.

Companies that practice this type of open communication normally foster close relationships with their customers too. Customers want to know facts regarding their transaction and honest and open communication is key.

A regular schedule of employee meetings is a key component as a company grows and helps to foster honest communication from both management and employees. These meetings are an opportunity to gain feedback that employees hear on a daily basis, both from customers and other employees.

Meet with your key staff members weekly and, as your company grows, a monthly meeting with all employees helps foster open and honest communications that successful companies know will grow their business.

© 2003 ODEC

Mike Burstein has been helping the SOHO and Small Business community grow & prosper for over 20 years by solving start up problems, creating best practices, automating their offices, getting free publicity and dramatically increasing traffic and sales.