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"We really are just one, big family here at __________. Welcome aboard!"
If you've been on this planet long enough to have had multiple jobs, there's a good chance you've heard those exact words. The person speaking those words...whether it be the HR Rep from a multinational conglomerate, or the old man who has owned the "shop down the road" for decades....they generally believe the sentiment behind those words to be true.
No one is naïve enough to believe that getting hired by a new outfit will generate the same emotions as a marriage. No man has ever stated that his best day was a toss-up between the birth of his son and the day he got hired.
If you're a business owner, you may have uttered these words yourself. Chances are, you believed the sentiment. But why? Why is it important for us to portray the "family" aspect of our workplaces?
The answer should be clear this time of year. Family is everywhere. All the imperfections. All the awkwardness. Followed by that intense feeling of separation when it's time to go back to our "real-life." Our families provide safety. They provide a sense of belonging. Those are the qualities to which we are referring when we mention the workplace family.
Does your team feel as though they are part of your family, or do they view you as a "just a boss?" Neither answer is necessarily wrong, but please allow us to make our case for the former. Trending Up Digital believes that treating your team like genuine members of your family will produce far more lucrative and sustainable growth than the bossy way ever will.
Like any family, too much "love" can cripple a work relationship. We all know kids who were never disciplined or held accountable for anything. They're nightmares as adults and even more so as teammates. Set standards. Set goals and expectations and be firm. Like the parents of the valedictorian. Strict. Demanding. But so proud of success.
Families don't become dynasties overnight and your team isn't any different. Each member of your team has specific skills, fears, weaknesses, and goals. Use them. Some are paralyzed at the idea of sales.. don't send them prospecting. "Get over it" doesn't work these days. Unlike your kids, your team can choose to go interview to live with another family and they will pay him to do so.
Your family is what makes you who you are. Good or bad. Your work-family is no different. If they don't feel love and safety at "home" they'll seek those needs elsewhere.
Think about your family this week. Work family and otherwise. Reflect on your relationship with them and let's go make 2023 a Win-Win for ALL of us!
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