One of the challenges that every manager faces is to attract and keep the best talent in the field. Success at this aspect of management is not a matter of luck; instead, there is both an art and a science to recruiting, developing and retaining high-caliber staff. Here’s an overview of the five key components to this essential skill:
Attract the best talents
The first step to attracting the most talented employees is to see HR’s function as integral with the company’s branding; job candidates with excellent skills are going to be selective, and a progressive company needs to broadcast all the reasons why it’s a great place to work. Social media is part of this branding process, and the business should make sure all of its publicity materials give the reasons it’s an excellent workplace.
Develop staff skills
A study by the Society of Human Resource Managers demonstrates that companies who provide ample, effective methods for employees to learn new skills have a much better track record when it comes to retention. The study suggests putting an in-house structure in place that provides formal mentoring and succession-planning as a basis for organizational strength.
Reward excellence – but not with money
It’s a psychological truism that if you reward a specific behavior, the person whom you reward will increase that particular behavior. However, Harvard Business Review points out an interesting quirk in the science of human motivation: rewarding excellent work with financial bonuses doesn’t generally improve the employee’s motivation. Instead, a worker is likelier to feel appreciated if they are given individual recognition and some new options for personal choice and flexibility.
Set up regular coaching
Building a climate of mentorship into your organization is a way to attract the best talent as well as solidify the company’s future. Entrepreneur.com discusses the crucial element of trust which is required in a good coaching relationship, so that an employee will recognize that the extra training and support is a way of building competence rather than a disguised method of discipline. Offering ongoing training and advancement options is a good way to build loyalty among staff, and to reduce turnover in the long term.
Give balanced appraisal
Companies that provide regular channels for giving constructive feedback are highly attractive to talented employees. People with exceptional skills and high work-ethics are inclined to seek out employers who will recognize those contributions. In a management style that’s interactive and encouraging, corrective feedback can be successfully delivered alongside praise, and staff members will feel that their individual work is being recognized.
Just as you ensure that your business delivers the best possible products or services to its customers, you need to also convey the fact that it’s a superior place to work. Nothing will bolster the long-term health of a company as powerfully as having a talented, dedicated staff.
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