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Archive for the ‘Employee Management’ Category

Picking Good People…The Test of Your Leadership

 Picking good people for your business can sometimes seem like a treasure hunt and it is a test of your leadership. In fact, this has been the area of operating a childcare business that has tested my leadership on may occasions.

During the interview process the applicant appears to be positive, he or she will say all the right things and wear the right clothes. However, the test begins on the first day of employment.

One thing that I have learned with selecting employees, is the simple fact that people do not reveal their true self until after they have been hired. Today I want to share with you some tips on how to pick good people for your child care business.

Selecting a Good Employee For Your Child Care Business

Schedule an interview with potential applicants during a time when the kids are gone are sleeping. Ask the following questions:

  1. Tell me about you
  2. Why should I hire you
  3. Are you willing to work flexible hours
  4. What would your previous employer tell me about you
  5. What are your goals
  6. What would a day be like in your class

Asking the  questions above, will help you to determine if you want this person working in your childcare business or not. Be sure to contact the applicant’s previous employer, to verify employment dates and ask the following question, “Would you rehire this person.” If they say “No”, then I think you can make an educated decision and decide if this person is right for your business.

What happens if you discover that this person is not  right  for your business

Another Lesson that I have learned in this business is; “Be fast to fire and slow to hire.” If you notice behavior that you do not like, address it immediately and discuss a plan of correction. If the employee continues to repeat the behavior, do not hesitate to terminate employment.

Employees are very observant and if they notice that you will allow them to slack in the beginning, they will continue that behavior throughout their employment in your business.

If you keep the wrong person on your team, it will cause you more headaches than you ever thought you could have. The wrong person= wrong results.

Here are some traits of the wrong person: gossip starter, negative about your business, does not honor your request, slacks in performance along with many other negative attributes.

There is no perfect employee, however, you would know when an employee is right for your business, because you will see good results and  you would be so glad that you made the decision to hire the employee.

Moreover, picking the right people will make your job easier and they will be an extension of you and represent your business well!

Bob Biehl says that 60-80% of the success of any company is in these 3 factors:

  • Clear direction
  • “The Right people”
  • Sound finances

Happy Employee Selection,

Shiketa

Ready to improve your Human Resource Practices or Grow as a Business Leader? Subscribe to my Child Care Business Management eCourse or Download my Art of Owning a Center Audio Series.

Category:

Employee Management, Hiring Employees, Human resource, Leadership, Work Place Laws

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How To Build Healthy Relationships With Parents & Staff

 

In my 14 years of being a Child Care Business Owner I have discovered this: Your ability to connect with others has a great impact on your Business success. 

In fact, as I discovered how to connect with parents…. my relationship with my parents improved.

Also, when I expanded from a home provider to a center, I noticed that my turnover rate was very high. I was informed that childcare centers have high turn over rates. For some reason I could not accept that answer.

Recently, I did some reflection about my past staff turnover rate and I asked one of my long time employees this question: What do you think has impacted my turnover rate?

She said to me: “You are a great boss with high expectations, however, the one complaint that employees have mentioned to me is the fact that you seem to be insensitive to the needs of others. ”

I was so glad, that I humbled myself and received feedback from one of my best employees. In fact, her feedback was so valuable to the success of my center and she was glad I asked.

However, I was not shocked to hear that response, because I knew that it was time for me to work on connecting with my employees and become a better listener.

I shared my experience with you, because it is so common for Employers to be insensitive to their staff and I was one of them.

That feedback, has helped me to move forward knowing the truth and not walking in denial. It’s so easy to blame your staff, however, as a leader; you must first look at yourself.

I strongly believe that everyone is not meant to be on your team, however, it is vital that you continue to grow as a leader so that you can attract and retain great people.

If you are having difficulty building strong relationships with your team or parents, it could be that you simply need to educate yourself on how to connect with others.

It is always my pleasure to share from my journey and I hope that this post has been of great value to you.

In 2008, I bought the book, Winning with people by John Maxwell and that book empowered me to connect with difficult people and to improve my people skills.

Recently, I decided to listen to the book as a refresher, so that I can continue to focus on building healthy relationships as I move forward on my  Business Journey.

I want to share the Audio Book: Wining With People With you. (The audio book is below).

(The audio is 2 hours)

I look forward to your feedback!

Shiketa

Category:

Employee Management, parent communication

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