Lessons Learned from Those Who Gave ALL for our Freedom!

The “Greatest Generation” is the generation that went through World War II. The Greatest Generation showed courage, loyalty and patriotism. They also showed leadership. Winning World War II required excellent leaders and strong teamwork — enough to form a band of brothers.

As a result, getting leadership tips from the Greatest Generation is a smart idea.

1)  Unify People Behind a Goal

In World War II, the nation was unified behind a single goal: winning the war. Soldiers, officers and people on the home front all knew the goal. They knew what their individual role was. They knew why the goal was important.

As in war, people need to be unified behind a single goal that matters to all of them. Whether it’s meeting quotas, increasing production or stepping up their skills, the dominant goals need employees unified behind them. People need to know why the goal is important. What larger picture does it contribute to? They also need to know how their specific role contributes to the larger goal.

Have meetings where you communicate company goals, why they’re important and what each person’s contribution is expected to be.

2) Develop Teamwork

The people who make up a specific group, such as a battalion or platoon, need to trust each other. They need to think like a team. Solo workers can’t do much in an army: it’s dangerous to be without the other soldiers. But neither can warehouse workers. They must work together as a team.

You may need to create teamwork in your group. Can you have contests where the group that produces the most gets free pizza? Have summer picnics with teams competing in softball or soccer. Sports teams, even temporary ones, are a great way to build teamwork.

3) Reward Hard Work

Nothing succeeds like hard work. The U.S. won in World War II because everyone worked hard until the job was done. The Greatest Generation had one of the strongest work ethics the world has ever seen.

Hire people with a strong work ethic. Reward the hardest worker of the month regularly. Make sure slacking off is not tolerated.

In the current economic climate, strong leadership skills are more important than ever. We can help you find good, responsible team employees for your team. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. 

Contact us today for our employment agencies in Mesquite, Texas, and other locations. 

Spreading the Love: 3 Reasons to Recognize Top Workers

All of your top employees appreciate being acknowledged for the efforts they have given and the results that have benefitted your company. And it is vital that you do recognize these high performers, even if it’s something as simple as a pat on the back or a kind word in front of everyone else in the office.

It’s important to show appreciation regularly to motivate and encourage employees. It can improve their confidence and self-worth, and it can increase productivity throughout the workplace.

Recognizing employees who are deserving can set a positive tone for the department or office. Workers who know that they will get a word of encouragement or a grateful gesture for doing a good job are more at ease and productive than those who only know that a kick in the pants awaits their next mistake.

Praise and recognition don’t take much time or effort from a business, but they yield tremendous benefits to both the worker and the company. Here are just three.

1. You create engagement and a sense of ownership

When an employee is recognized for doing good work, it is an encouragement to continue to give the same or higher level of performance. Workers begin to feel engaged, which leads to a sense of belonging and ownership in the company. Engaged employees are happier and more productive. And when employees feel that they belong, the mood of the shop or office improves.

2. It leads to a better bottom line

It’s simple. When you praise or acknowledge your employees’ performance, it directly affects your business’s overall results. It works like this: Your employee does something that deserves recognition, and you want to see it repeated. You reward or thank the employee for doing something special, and the worker keeps doing it to receive more recognition. It might sound disingenuous, but it’s not. It’s praising what should be praised, and it’s good for the worker and the bottom line.

3. Loyalty increases and you will keep the best talent

When your employees receive acknowledgment for their efforts, they tend to be more loyal towards you and their work. The more your staff feels valued and encouraged, the more likely they are to remain with you. And retaining skilled workers is a challenge that you could overcome with a few kind words or a celebration of an employee’s achievements whenever they are deserved.

Find the best talent

Convincing today’s top candidates that your company is their best choice is more critical than ever. A culture of encouragement, a positive work environment, and appreciation of a job well done will go a long way to setting you apart. If you are looking to add great folks to your team contact Stride Staffing to learn more or request a consultation today!