Q. How do you balance
rational decision-making with
a family culture?
Consistency. Otherwise, you’re
getting a lawsuit. With me being
a European lawyer, the one
thing they always told me is just
make sure you’re consistent.
For example, for the issue
with people not showing up, as
long as you’re consistent and
you ask and you give people the
leeway — not because you just
overslept or went to a party —
and if they can show it, then
that means consistency, and
that is good.
Q. How do you manage
employees who are having
trouble?
Lately, a manager was promoted and I said, ‘Look, I think
you need an assistant,’ and they
wouldn’t do it. ‘No, no, I can do
it myself.’ A month later, I said,
‘I understand you don’t want an
assistant, but you’re going to
get one.’ I almost had to force
the person.
Sometimes, people are so
afraid of losing control. When
you perform a job, it’s 100 percent. But if you delegate, you
need to be happy if that person
does it 85 percent the way
you’re doing it. Don’t ever
expect anybody who you delegate [to] to do 100 percent. It’s
just not possible.
HOW TO REACH: Peleman Industries Inc., (877) 246-3669 or www.peleman.com
