Dare to Care: Change How We Relate to Employees Anthony NM

As this industry continues to struggle with attracting and retaining quality people, we need to change how we relate to employees. They work hard and deserve to be treated better. Time spent listening, talking and building relationships with your employees will be time well-invested - and appreciated.

By Ron Peretta
11/1/1999

We need to be more than just employers and managers. We need to care about our employees.

Not long ago, one of our technicians and I had a conversation about his potential and what he was missing out on by being so inconsistent with his ability. He agreed!

When I asked him what was going on in his life that could be causing such behavior, he said, "I'm in a relationship that's bad, but it's so hard to just leave." When I asked him how long this had been going on, he said "Years!"

Then he went on to tell me that his mother had been battling cancer. It was in remission until recently. His mother had worked two jobs before, so now he was trying to help her with the bills and around the house.

"And my relationship with my girlfriend doesn't help matters," he said.

"Do you think things are going to change with your girlfriend?" I asked. "Don't you think you need to make some decisions?"

"Ron," he said, "I know I need to do something, but I just don't. We're always fighting; things just aren't working out. But I don't do anything."

I asked if I could give him my opinio...