Considering the conditions in the news industry, your company may ask for difficult budget cuts and job eliminations, but you can control the damage by how you deal with your employees. Like you, they are human beings worthy of respect and compassion.
How we treat employees becomes our own reference check when we look to hire again and job seekers investigate us. It also can become our reference when we start our own job searches.
A colleague long ago said to me, "I always treat my employees the way I want to be treated. At any time the roles could be reversed." The comment stuck with me.
When you have to deliver a difficult message, it's wise to think about what you would want to hear if the roles were reversed. You can lessen the sting of business cuts by recognizing employees' value, thanking them for their commitment and passion for their work, and showing your own vulnerability.
I have learned from every manager I ever had. Some reminded me what not to do, but the lessons that reached across the years came from the managers who:
- Showed their humanity.
- Always communicated honestly.
- Took the time to learn my reaction and ask what I thought.
Those are the leaders with whom I would eagerly meet any challenge. Those are the people who make the industry noble.
We are only as good as the people who work for us. Showing your employees that you truly believe that oft-repeated line will help you meet the industry challenges -- and give you a valuable recruiting tool when you need to hire in the future.
Leadership roles can be fleeting. Legacies are not. Strive to create a positive legacy for yourself.
Next week: Work on retaining your employees so you don't have to replace them.
Excellent column on leadership. Should be required reading for new...
