WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO INVEST IN STAFF?
Entrepreneurs contemplate the ways they strengthen their teams
“Investing in staff through training and personal development is essential, but to move to the next level it’s about encouraging staff to invest in themselves. Someone who sees their self worth and the satisfaction that comes from contributing will more likely reach their maximum potential. Listen to your staff’s needs and have an open dialogue so all parties can contribute to collective development. With positive reinforcement, people who believe in themselves are more likely to believe in the organization and vice versa.”
Peter Stow, president, Isomass Scientific Inc., isomass.com
“Recently we added training with a business coach as an important investment for our team. We meet for a variety of business topics and for guidance with personal and corporate goals. The team recognizes the investment in them and how the training will not only help them be successful in their current position, but in their futures. The time together is extremely meaningful for each of us.”
Noreen Ward, owner, The Gift Designers, thegiftdesigners.com
“My favourite way to invest in staff is talking about goals. Take the time to understand, learn about and challenge your people’s personal and professional goals. It’s a great way to understand their primary motivators, make them feel cared about and, most importantly, help everyone reach and exceed their goals.”
Ashley Anderson, partner, Dryver Group, dryvergroup.com
“My background is in working with member-based associations, so I’m a big believer in getting involved in industry associations. Purchasing a membership, attending conferences and luncheons and volunteering are all great ways to deepen your industry involvement.”
Erika Holter, founder and president, YYCfit Expo Inc., yycfitexpo.ca
“Time. Nothing says you care more about an employee’s presence and work ethic than giving them the one thing most precious to you. Your time. It could be mentoring, coffee or inviting them to shared interest events. There’s a balance, but investing in an employee means being real with them and listening to them. You’ll always be their employer, but you should also be their colleague.”
Dario Hudon-Verrelli, director of marketing, Octopus and Son Social Media Inc., octopusandson.com
“My favourite way to invest in staff is careful, rigorous selection. If you have the right people combined around an ambitious goal you do not need to motivate them. Of course coaching, education and team building is very important. But everything starts after hiring the right person. We spend a lot of time selecting the best people. It’s critical for us.”
Michael Maltsev, CEO, Riger, riger.ca
“I get my team involved in everything — from training sessions to volunteering in our community to team retreats to shameless promotion at events and runway shows we support. I also give back to my team by sharing their skills on our website and social media. Patience and mentoring them to become better versions of themselves as future bosses creates success. We work and play hard together as a family while making my company more successful.”
Trena Olfert, CEO and makeup artist, Trena Laine Makeup Artist Inc., trenalaine.com
“I establish trust with our staff. This is an investment in itself. That means sticking up for the team no matter what and not turning your back on them. Without trust, any investment in our staff will not be as effective. Create meaningful opportunities for them — opportunities to learn and develop professionally and personally and have all that tie-in with their big picture.”
Quan Ly, partner, McRally Accountants and Advisors, mcrally.ca
“I focus on their strengths and give them training and development opportunities where they can shine, exercise and master those strengths daily. I want them to be a subject matter expert in their existing areas of strength and passion. I also provide leadership coaching which continually supports their personal growth. If my team members can do what they love everyday and be the best at it, then we all win.”
Judith Ethier, founder and CEO, Tomorrow Strategic, tomorrowstrategic.com
For more answers, head over to calgaryherald.com/capitalideas.