Published in Investors.com
Retain Top Employees Via Compassionate Leadership
Posted 03/20/2012 01:15 PM ET
Only a third of middle managers say they will remain with their employer two years from now. So says Ritch Eich, author of "Real Leaders Don't Boss." He poses this question on compassionate leadership: "What are you doing to keep your top talent and avoid losing your organization's competitive edge?" Tips on doing so:
• Stay engaged. The most effective leaders are connected to their companies, no matter how widely dispersed an organization is, Eich says. A C-suite executive must set an example by sacrificing first for the team, while also never asking others to do more than that executive is willing to do.
• Think big picture. Top companies invest in people by having a leadership program in place.
"The CEO and executive team must teach regularly in it and expect the same of their subordinates," Eich told IBD. "It must be incorporated into the ethos of the business. Creating it isn't enough."
• Be accountable. Do what's right for the organization and for others. "Never, ever, under any circumstances, cave on your integrity; it cannot be recovered," Eich said.
• Give feedback. Employees want to know where they stand and how they're performing. "Evaluate people candidly, honestly, regularly and fairly," Eich said.
To have a successful company, employees must "perceive themselves as integral, valued members of a team who will then go the extra mile to support their organization and teammates," he said.
• Delegate. It's not only efficient for leaders to do this; it also empowers employees. Eich says executives must understand when to get in the trenches with their team and when to get out of the way. With the right team in place, the results will probably be winning ones.
• Hear well. Effective listening is an active endeavor, not a passive act. Grasp what the person sitting across from them is saying and feeling. "Aim for 80% listening and 20% active questioning when interacting with others," said Bernard Ferrari, author of "Power Listening: Mastering the Most Critical Business Skill of All." "Those I've observed who are the star business leaders are always asking questions, probing for information and listening for surprises."
• Show respect. Assume people have something important to say. In addition, don't begin speaking the nanosecond the other person stops. That creates the impression you were waiting for him to stop talking so you could make your point. "You will be surprised at what nuggets of information come forth if you give people a chance to take a breath," Ferrari said.
When interacting with employees, give your undivided attention to them. A rule Ferrari uses is no external distractions such as smartphones on a table or in his hand.
"We have become device-rude," he said. "Let's stop."
He points out that the best leaders know that important information can come from any source and at any time. "Being dismissive of people is a sure path to being an information-deaf manager," he said.
• Be on. A leader who is trying to connect with employees is like a performer onstage. Ferrari said be aware of your state of mind: "I recognize that if I'm angry or threatened, my ears are useless. If possible, I just find the closest exit and spend the time necessary to resolve what is upsetting me before moving back into the fray."
• Manage your culture. The environment that compassionate leaders create helps determining how the best employees flourish and stay with a company. "Don't tolerate others who might undermine performance and morale," Eich said. "Help those who are underperforming."
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