Best Practices of Managing Employees

Constant communication and feedback are critical. Here are some keys:

• Explain the job.
• Teach the job.
• Give people the tools to do the job.
• Evaluate often and give feedback frequently.
• Document the feedback.
• If someone is doing something wrong, show him how to do it right.
• Reward good behavior with emotional rewards, too—praise, recognition, and so on.

Elementary grade school teachers are smarter than most managers. They understand the power of "stars"—giving out stars for good performance. You can create a great working atmosphere by

• Saying "thank you."
• Getting to know your people and their lives. In times of personal stress, cut people some slack.
• Asking them monthly whether they are happy in their jobs. If they’re not, find out why. Decide whether you can make their jobs better.