Years ago one of our Business Group members complained, “My employees aren’t bashful about insisting on their rights and entitlements. It’s like they’ve been through assertiveness classes. What I need is employer assertiveness training!” That was the genesis of our popular Employer Assertiveness Training, led by The Business Group’s BJ Van Horn, SPHR.
"Do you sometimes feel like you work for your employees? “Do you find it difficult to get people to do what you’re paying them for? Is the time clock often ignored? Do whining and excuses trump high productivity? Do your exhortations and warnings go unheeded? . . . Ah, we could go on an on!
“WHAT DOES A “FIRM, FAIR, AND CONSISTENT” WORKPLACE LOOK LIKE? “ Here are a few points taken from BJ’s “Assertiveness Training” workbook. You might use this as a checklist for your place.
Employees know what their jobs are, on the standards of performance, on what’s acceptable and not acceptable. They are trained to make good decisions on their own, and are encouraged to do so.
Employees are aligned with the direction and vision of the company, and are committed to attain stated goals.
People do their jobs well, and expect their co-workers to do the same. No one is permitted to be a “slacker” or take advantage of other workers.
There are consequences to poor performance, and employees know what they are; poor performers are given the opportunity to improve or leave. The company does not settle for poor performance or unprofessional behavior.
Everyone gets the same information about their jobs, benefits, company policies, and company changes; and questions and concerns are addressed fully.
Everyone knows that company policies pertain equally to all, and are applied consistently across the board.
Issues and problems are addressed right away – clearly, with an eye to resolution, and without inappropriate emotion or drama.
Communication is open both up and down. Managers are sensitive and responsive to employee concerns and issues. Managers are accessible, but private time hours are respected by all.
No one needs to “walk on eggshells” in fear of addressing an issue. Managers address mistakes and violations of standards from the perspective of “how can we make this work” and stay away from “it’s not my fault.”
NINE RULES OF EMPLOYER ASSERTIVENESS. If you’d like to improve in some of these areas, work with BJ Van Horn or buy the workbook authored by BJ.
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