Make people feel they matter. If it’s a birthday, we have a special cake for that person, and
the office goes out to lunch
together. In our best years,
we match the 401(k) dollar
for dollar and give profit-sharing and bonuses.
They become part of the
company, and they know the
profitability they create will
equal bonuses. At Christmas,
they all come to a party, and
we do reverse gifts. Maybe
you’ll get an ornament or a
professional waffle iron. It
could be anything, but the
final name that is drawn out
gets a trip, and, usually, it’s
to Vegas for two nights, three
days, airfare and $500.
It’s not just for department
heads — it’s for Hisaw team
employees, and they know
everyone has an equal chance.
Those are the things that
give people great satisfaction
that they’re really appreciated.
People are quick to call you
and tell you how bad that is or
how bad that is, and there’s a
problem here, but the simple
words of, ‘I really appreciate
you — thank you so much,’ go
a long, long way. We have
some longevity here. Longevity
is everything because longevity is also loyalty. That’s what
gives you optimal growth and
exceeds your break-even
points and gives you your
maximum profit.
Constantly communicate. Seventy percent of all the
mistakes are due to communication or lack thereof —
70 percent.
Communication is everything. Once you have a structure, communication is so
vitally important. Listen to
your client. Hear what he has
to say. Don’t prejudge it and
think what he wants. Know
what he wants and do it.
When we talk to our people, we are talking with our
people because when we
communicate, we often ask
for feedback and we ask
their opinion. Sometimes
people are shy, and they
don’t want to tell you, but as
they work with you longer
and longer, they will tell you,
and that builds strength
within a company.
That communication is really, really important. Some
people have a breakdown,
and that breakdown in communication breaks down the
trust. Once it breaks down the
trust, then it erodes wherever
you’re at.
HOW TO REACH: Hisaw & Associates, (972) 380-4448 or www.hisaw.com