Here we are just getting started in this new year so it is good to reflect on some key basics.
Every situation we’ll face in managing employees will be unique to the individual characteristics of the person we’re dealing with.
However, it is vitality important to realize that the underlying precepts and principles from which we will be managing need to be stable and constant throughout all our dealings with our staff.
Our co-ops will benefit greatly from well-developed systems, policies, and standard operating procedures that are clear and upheld consistently.
Our decision making will greatly benefit from the wisdom that will grow with our experience.
And at the same time nothing will serve us more than accepting and preparing ourselves for the heavy lifting that will be needed for us to perform due diligence in our judicial decisions.
Do we have all the facts?
Have we clearly determined the short and long term impacts to the co-op?
What are the unique considerations relevant to a particular situation?
Are we prepared and practiced for difficult conversations – are our emotions in check?
Decisions are made at the end of a long chain of actions.
The integrity and strength of that chain is what, in many ways, holds our co-ops together.
And as managers holding things together does not always equate to staff being happy with decisions we make.
A new year is a good time to take a good look at what is holding our co-op together.