The Important Things

When you decide to engage a consultant or trainer, you want to make sure that both yourself and them feel the same way on some very basic issues. As a result, every so often I feel it's  necessary to review what's important to me.

I have a need to stay true to my core values - as a business women - as a person. For those of you who haven't yet had the opportunity to work with me, here are some insights regarding my values:

• People are your most valuable resource.
• All employees deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
• Behavioral changes take time. Sending someone for training with no follow up or positive encouragement from management dooms the training to failure and lowers morale.
• Expect the best and you will get it. Just make sure people are given the right tools to make it happen.
• It's OK to fire someone for non-performance.
• Just because a person reports to you doesn't mean they couldn't do your job if they had the training - sometimes they've simply made different life decisions. In other words, treat people as equals with different responsibilities.
• All managers, supervisors and business owners are responsible for coaching their people to success.
• Yelling in the office is unacceptable. (unless the place is on fire)
• Employment is a two way street. Employees should earn their compensation; employers should treat people as more than just a pair of replaceable hands.
• People want to do a good job.

Finally, I'm a big believer in the golden rule.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

It's important for all of us - regardless of our level or type of employment to treat each other with courtesy and respect.


BTW, did you know you can follow me on twitter? Check out @thejoannkirby