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Developing Employees

Written by: Jessica DeLaney

Article Overview: Steps to Effectively Develop Employees to Grow Your Business

Developing Employees

Many entrepreneurs run small businesses that do not have the support of a human resources team. Having a dedicated department that has the main objective of developing employees is ideal but not necessary. There are many steps you can take to effectively develop your employees to grow your business.

1) Train them
Training is an essential part of an employee’s development. Initial training is unavoidable but many employees forget about training as soon as the employee has integrated into the business. Ongoing on-the-job training as well as formal training programs are a great way to motivate your staff, improve their skills and get them ready for new duties and potentially new positions within your company. Don’t be afraid that your employees will take the training and move on. If you continue to develop employees by investing in them they will stay motivated and loyal.

2) Challenge them
Just like any human, the same repetitive tasks will eventually bring about boredom, job dissatisfaction, increased turnover and additional recruitment costs to your business. Developing employees means challenging them constantly to keep them sharp, energized and motivated. Sit down with your employees one on one and jointly develop monthly, quarterly or yearly goals and objectives that are challenging but achievable. Ensure this is done together keeping the employee’s own personal goals and objectives in mind so that there is a sense of ownership in accomplishing set goals.

3) Find hidden talents
You will be surprised by the unexpected skills your employees possess that can be beneficial to your company. Part of developing employees is finding out more about them personally: their likes and dislikes and their hidden talents and put these skills to use in your business. You will find your employees are happier, more motivated and more loyal because they are doing what they love and your business will gain from these new skills.

4) Find them a mentor
Everyone can benefit from a mentor including you. Seek to understand your employee’s personality, dreams and goals and find them a mentor that can compliment them personally and professionally. On the personal side they should be able to get along with their mentor, feel comfortable and confident to trust them and confide in them. On the professional side they should feel inspired by their mentor and the mentor should have the skills and background in developing employees to help them with their professional aspirations.

5) Be an example
Part of developing employees is setting an example. If you have a great attitude, solid work habits, if you achieve your goals and stand by your word, then your employees will likely follow suit. Ensure that you and your management team are a great example for the team and keep this behaviour consistent.

Following these tips on developing employees is a great beginning to growing a satisfied, motivated work group with low turnover and high morale.

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Article Tags: boredom, goals and objectives, hidden talents, human resources team, initial training, job dissatisfaction, likes and dislikes, main objective, mentor, personal goals, recruitment costs, repetitive tasks, set goals, small businesses, train, turnover



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