The Boss's Most Important Job

As the owner or leader in your business, you wear many hats. You are probably the chief innovator, and certainly you are a role model for your team. They watch you, and they follow your lead. You are directly involved in sales, and you are responsible for finances and a multitude of other critical items. So, what's your MOST important job?

That's easy - To get your employees to come back tomorrow morning.

I recently saw a case-study of SAS, the software company, and it was remarkable. On average, turn-over at similar companies runs about 20% per year. At SAS, it's less than 5% per year! Think of the thousands of hours that saves in recruiting, training and management time! Not to mention the savings in direct costs! What's their secret?

The boss understands that for all his land and equipment and proprietary systems, his most essential assets 'walk out of the building every night, and it's my job to see that they walk back in tomorrow morning.'

Even in this tight economy, there are jobs to be had. People can make money, or start their own company and compete with you over night. What people want, what they have always longed for, is respect, fulfillment, satisfaction and recognition. Research has shown that, in general, you cannot pay people enough to stay on the job if they don't like the work, the environment, or their co- workers, and those things are YOUR job!

As the 'boss' (even if you are your only employee!), your key task is to see that your people are well served, well maintained, well trained and well respected. Without that, everything else is just a pause until they move on.

Copyright (c) 2003, all rights reserved. U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: 1529-059X From The Innovative Professional's (TIP's) Letter Sunday, March 23, 2003 Written & Published by Philip E. Humbert, PhD Contact him at: www.philiphumbert.com or email Coach@philiphumbert.com