"Don't Look Back in Anger"

Every heard of an exit interview where someone says what they've been thinking for years and never expressed it? "I wish I had room to grow." "More training." "Room for advancement."

If you are a manager it can be extremely frustrating but the only person who is to blame is....you. "And so Sally can wait she knows it's too late"

Turn that frown around and move ahead with some questions for your employees.

Ask them a few questions to understand their mindset so that all of you can be on the same working level each and every day.

What do you need from me to do your best at this job?

Sometimes that question can be disarming to employees because they rarely get asked that. Very important question because as a manager you truly get a full understanding of what this employee values on a day to day basis. Also, your employee will understand how you can help them and you are listening! This is also a great way to provide your expectations of them.

Do you feel like you have an opportunity to learn? This question will provide the groundwork for you to implement a little or a lot of education pieces within your team.

Do you feel like you have opportunities to move within the organization? IF the company is too small then this is difficult but if it's a decent size you will be able to work with the employee to guide them to their goal through various projects and check in's throughout the year (progress)

What is the best part of your job? The worst part? This outlines a way to focus on your employees strength. The employee will be more prone to do projects/tasks that lean towards the 'best' part versus the worst. Not always going to happen but a very effective way to understand the mindset of your employees.

All of these questions can (and should) be revisited every quarter to see how each of you are moving towards honouring these answers.

By maintaining constant communication and staying true to your word there will be greater retention, greater productivity and ultimately greater job satisfaction. So...look back...but not in anger.