Four ways To Get Best Out of Your Workers...

Just as multinationals are some of the best places to work, Nigerian companies are known for the horror stories they generate. The banking industry in particular is so terrible that it has been known to cough out entrepreneurs from within it rank. These ex-bankers turned business owners often leave really lucrative positions because they are tired of the inhumane existence. So imagine my surprise when I realise that some of these ex-tortured souls start businesses that become notorious for the lack of consideration for the staff. The business owners do this not because they are horrible people. They do it because they just don't know any better. As a former business owner myself, there are times when I talked to people and they recommended drastic steps because Nigerian workers are infamously disloyal, untrustworthy and inefficient. This flaw in employees does not mean you still should not consider creating a friendly atmosphere for your employees in your work place. Below are four ways to start creating a work-place culture that would encourage your employees .

1. Be Consistent: Create a clearly defined and expressed set of rules for your employees. Alongside the rules, there should be clearly defined consequences for breaking said rules. The most critical part of this process is the follow-through; make sure you follow-through on punishment when rules are broken.Consistently abiding by the rules creates discipline in the work environment.
2. Compensate Performance: Don't be afraid to compliment your employees when they have done well. My business partner and I used to reward our employees when they achieved certain milestones. The milestone would be clearly expressed to the employee and they would be reminded of it. Oftentimes, even when the milestone seems impossible, our employees would be motivated by the incentives.
3. Compliment Your Employees:  Compliments don't cost a thing so don't be afraid to dole it out. As a teacher, I find that when my students answer questions, how I respond to their failure can make a different. If I compliments them for being on the right track then offer corrections, they are more likely to learn than if I just point out the negative. With employees, it is important to find the compliments with every task. The compliments can be as a little as "Thank you for trying." This particular trick is hard in a culture that is famous for loudness but try it out diligently.
4. Celebrate Your Employees: Do you know your employees' birthdays? You should find out and make it a big deal. Growing up my mum used to celebrate birthdays for the house-helps. For those that did not know their date of birth, she would assign them one and give them a fabulous day. By making a big deal of your employees, they realise they are appreciated and would want to go the extra mile.  

Tell me other ways to get employees performing at their best in the comments section below.