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Career
The art Of
Managing People
A company’s most valued asset is its people. Find out how you can get the most
of your staff without micro-managing. By axer Goh
according to recent
research, CEOs have
cited high quality staff
as the top factor that has
contributed most to the
growth of their company.
Interestingly, finding, hiring and
retaining qualified employees have
also become one of their biggest
operational challenges in managing
their company’s rapid growth.
One of the top reasons people
usually give for leaving their job is
more often than not, their immediate
superior or management.
Managing people should no
longer be simply viewed as just
a responsibility, but an extremely
important skill that managers should
constantly hone and improve to deal
with the diverse personalities and
cultures in a team or company.
Compound that with an acute
global shortage talent across all
industries, it has become more critical
28 THE GRADUATE jul-sep 2011
that business managers know exactly
what energises and motivates their
staff in order to keep its invaluable
human capital within the organisation.
Here are some management
insights on how managers can
effectively get the most out of their
staff, and motivate them to put in their
best not just for a day – but always.
adopt a People-Focused
Culture
There is a reason why some of the
world’s top organisations attribute
their success to their people.
By treating their employees as the
most valuable asset of the company,
they achieved impressive results and
became more competitive across
many fronts.
Such companies tend to create
a favourable brand perception
(internally and externally) by treating
their staff right, and naturally become
desired employers to work for.
A people-focused culture
energises the employees, and inspires
them to achieve more than what they
think is possible, especially if they
know they are part of the company’s
growth and success.
Employees enjoy coming to work
where their contributions are valued,
and morale is increased when they
given more responsibility, autonomy
and freedom.
They are more likely to articulate
the company’s shared vision and bring
their best ideas to work.
Empowering staff also gives them a
sense of responsibility.
It motivates them to be more
independent and do what needs to be
done without being told and makes
them feel they have a significant
impact on their work.
Be a Leader, Not a Manager
Many business managers are often
trapped in the daily operations of