Do you have an assistant? One or more employees? If I asked them what you are like to work for, what do you think they’d say?

This morning, I stopped at a business where I do some consulting to speak briefly to Amy, an assistant in the sales office. From what I’ve seen she knows her stuff and is a very hard worker. I was there for no more than five minutes to run something by her. While we were checking the schedule on her computer, one of the guys she works for came in and handed her some documents.

I know this guy. I’ve seen him around the office and at company events and he’s usually fairly friendly. Today he ignored me completely. No smile, no how’s it goin’, nothin. Like I wasn’t even there. After he left I raised my hand in a wave and said facetiously to Amy, “Hi Nick.” She scowled and said, “Yeah, right. He’s pissed because I’m on his time right now and he saw me at the computer with you.” She went on to tell me that if she wastes even ten minutes, she has to make it up at the end of the day.

I was pretty shocked by this guy’s shortsighted and  childish behavior. Not to mention he was rude. Seriously?? Is this 1900? I cannot believe that a supposed professional today does not know enough to treat their employees with respect and dignity.  

He’s well on his way to losing a good employee. The 7 stupid steps to losing a good employee? 

1. View them solely for what they can do for you.
2. Believe them to be incapable, stupid and unreliable.
3. Expect that they are cheating you out of time and/or money.
4. Never praise, compliment or thank them.
5. Never ask about their families or other interests.
6. Treat them as if they are 10 years old.
7. Be a prick and never apologize for it.

It’s just plain stupid. So stupid that I don’t even want to take the time to enumerate the reasons why. Truly, this falls into the category of “I CAN’T BELIEVE WE HAVE TO TELL PEOPLE THIS!” 

So let me ask a better question. What do you WANT your employees to say when asked what kind of boss you are?

What can you do to make sure that’s how they feel?

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