This chapter is not about the Personnel, Human Relations, or Human Resources Department. Instead, it is about the most important asset every organization possesses - its employees. They represent a bi-directional investment that neither the company nor the employee can ignore. Unlike most other “pieces” of capital, employees, individually and collectively, do not depreciate. In fact, they appreciate in terms of their own worth as well as to the worth and wellbeing of the company. This chapter and the next chapter (Employee Recognition) attempt to capture some of the subtler aspects of managing that precious resource: employees.
There are, of course, many very important, but more mechanical and administrative aspects regarding employees that are often handled by formal Human Resources departments and the professionals that work in them. This chapter is, in no way, intended to diminish their important role. However, effectively managing human capital within an organization is the responsibility of every manager at every level, and requires the positive involvement of all employees at every level as well.
Below is a table summary of the five sections in this chapter and the 28 articles contained in those sections. As with all the articles in this entire collection, they can be read in any order.
Chapter Sections and Summaries
A company's culture is determined by the employees and their daily interaction. Those interactions are, in turn, a direct result of the behaviors they witness and are deemed acceptable by management.
Something as simple as an organization chart can have an impact on how employees view themselves and the overall company.
In study after study, the most common complaint registered by employees is the lack of effective communications and the impacts that it has on them while they try to do their jobs.
Employee turnover and growth are a reality in every organization. Too many details are left to chance or not effectively dealt with during this process.
The experiences that a new employee has during the first hours and few days at the company can have a profound impact on their entire tenure with the company.
Chapter Articles and Summaries
Introduction to Chapter 4.04: Human Capital
Every manager in every organization is responsible for the proper management of all employees.
Employees' Points of View
Management needs to be aware of how employees judge the company’s overall actions.
Three Words: Almost the Same But Different
Employee morale can be significantly impacted by what is considered to be acceptable behavior.
Be Human
Consciously take time to show employees that you care about them as people.
Be Friendly
As organizations grow, they, naturally, can become less friendly unless simple actions are taken.
Everyone is Important
Avoid actions or segmentation that can inadvertently divide the employee population.
Perceptions Are What Count
Other’s perceptions, not company or management intentions, determine morale.
Org Chart Messages
Organization charts can easily send some inadvertent negative messages.
The Walls Speak
The use of walls or open spaces and other environment factors can have significant impacts.
Accountability
Company success is determined by the performance of individuals who must be held accountable.
Open Dialogue, Really?
Effective communications requires the sender to insure that the receiver hears and understands.
Issue Identification Exercise
Providing a non-threatening open environment to identify business impediments is easy.
Communicate Consistently and Regularly
Management must go out of their way to keep all employees informed of events as they occur.
Consistency Through FAQs
A written FAQs document dramatically helps insure what was heard aligns with what was said.
Are the Doors Really Open?
Open door policies only work if employees truly feel that mangers are approachable.
Communications Effectiveness
Texting and emails may only be appropriate for certain types of communications. Be careful.
Emails: Disconnected Dialogue
Emails are convenient, but are often simplistic communication tools with negative consequences.
No Joke Jokes
Humor to some may be offensive to others; establish company norms accordingly.
Who to Hire
Thoroughly developing and documenting the expectations for a new hire are critical to success.
When to Hire
Often, if you wait to hire people when you need them it is too late. Plan accordingly.
Finding People
Referrals, internships, job boards, and retained searches need to be considered when recruiting.
The Big Day
Plan the candidate interview day considering the wants and needs of the candidate.
Recruiting the Family
Companies need to understand that a candidate’s loved ones will influence their decision.
Thunder in the Distance
There are advantages and pitfalls in recruiting individuals with vastly different work experiences.
The First Day
Carefully planning the first day’s activities for a new employee makes a lasting impression.
Check Early and Often
New employee managers need to provide special help and attention well past the first day.
Tame the Fire Hose
Ask newly hired employees to develop their own training material as they learn it.
Delay Setting Goals
Goals for new hires should only be established when the employee can meaningfully participate.
