I am finding it difficult to keep a staff of 16 service technicians motivated. This is a low skill position that does not require any type of formal training. I find it hard to get the whole team to comply with company policies. we have a great benefit program including health insurance, profit sharing, vacation, etc.. yet we continue to have issues with employees not following guidelines.
The Team Doc Says…
The cause of this is often that the employees think what they are being asked to do is “stupid” or unnecessary. Most of the time the reason behind the policy hasn’t been communicated to them, they are just told that they have to comply. And that can cause a backlash.
There are a couple of techniques you can try. First identify where there are problems and then set out what needs to be communicated. Then schedule meetings to discuss the “why” behind the policy or issue. These should be roundtable type sessions, not “in your face” talk sessions. If you can, get at least a couple of employees on board and have them help with conducting the meetings and facilitating the discussion. Make sure that the discussion doesn’t stop when the meeting is over. Communication is a 24/7 activity.
Best regards,
Denise O’Berry
aka ‘Team Doc’
