An HR manager shared that her managers are required to learn the names of all the people that report to them. If supervisors are unwilling to make an effort to do this, she fires them. At first blush, that sounds a little extreme, doesn’t it? However, how would you feel working for a boss that didn’t even know your first name – really?
Walk around the shop and greet people by name. Look for reasons to have a short conversation when possible. Challenge yourself to find shared interests with your staff. Yes, it’s true, some of your employees are more willing to share their personal lives than others. Whichever way they respond is fine – it’s making the effort that counts.
Action Ideas:
- Regularly schedule time with each of your employees. Often, a simple five-minute check-in will suffice.
- Use icebreakers and other social activities that allow team members to learn interesting facts about each other and get to connect on a personal level.
- If you’re “not good” at remembering names, take steps to change that. Dale Carnegie Training and other companies offer excellent guidance on recalling names.
To get this and 97 other ideas on Manufacturing Engagement, please check out Lisa Ryan’s book, “Manufacturing Engagement: 98 Proven Strategies to Attract and Retain Your Industry’s Top Talent“
