Jeweller - June, Edition I 2020

BUSINESS
Management
Now, more than ever, you need your team on board
In the most difficult trading conditions, valuing your employees is critically important.
DAVID BROWN explains how to lead your staff to inspire their loyalty and increase productivity.
Recent experiences have been tough
on everyone. Some of you will have had
to deal with the harsh reality of letting
staff go, with no idea as to whether
demand for your services will return to
previous levels any time soon.
Right now, it is easy to feel estranged
from your staff – but the old saying that
your people are your most important
asset has never been more true.
Rather than being on the opposite side
of the fence from you, they are on the
same side, battling a common enemy
with which we all must deal.
You need your staff and they need you.
Here are the key things your staff will
be looking for from you for the rest of
this year – and beyond.
If you can provide it, you will get the
best of them in return.
Leadership – Moments like this bring
out true courage in adversity. People
will naturally gravitate to those who
show strength and a sense of purpose.
History is littered with examples to
follow, so inspiration should never be
far from your fingertips.
Challenge – I’m sure there is no
shortage of challenges right now! You
will discover a lot about yourself in a
time like this, and a lot about your staff.
During difficult periods, those
employees with true strength and
resilience will stand up and show the
skills that you have been looking for
the most.
Watch for the staff members who rise
to meet each new challenge, rather
than being overwhelmed or giving
up responsibility when things don’t go
to plan.
Appreciation – Remember to thank all
your hardworking staff.
If nothing else, lockdown has taught
us the value of the small things; of
appreciating others and remembering
the little gestures that we can make to
help each other through.
Remembering to show your gratitude
During difficult
periods, those
employee with
true strength
and resilience
will stand up
and show the
skills that you
have been
looking for
the most
for what your team does is invaluable
right now and will help bring out the
best in them.
Empowerment – Now, more than ever,
you don’t need to go it alone.
Members of your team will be
ready to step up and shoulder new
responsibilities as your own workload
increases.
You may find yourself running faster
than ever just to try and keep up but be
willing to pass the baton to those who
are able to help you the most.
Communication – Tell your employees
what’s happening.
They know times are challenging, and
sometimes we fear the unknown far
more than the reality of what could
happen.
Let them know how things truly stand
and don’t feel you have to hold back.
Once they have the information on the
specific problems you are facing, they
can assist in developing solutions.
46 | June 2020