AFES 310 19 steps to managing people successfully

the five elements of job quality in ag work

• create good jobs

• hire good people

• be a good boss

• provide a safe and comfortable physical environment

• create a safe and comfortable psychological environment

what does it mean to be competitive in compensation, benefits, hours, working conditions, etc.?

• know what those around you are offering and match it

How can one stay current on competitive levels of pay, benefits, hours, etc.?

• use informal surveys

• stay current

• design your own win-win package

Three special concerns regarding a safe and comfortable psychological environment within an ag business

• Minimize drudgery and boredom

• foster a harmonious atmosphere

• deal with discrimination and harassment

two critical elements of a job description

• duties

• qualifications

What can a manager add to job descriptions to make the duties more open minded?

• list “other duties”

five steps that can help hire the best people

• seek the best people

• create a positive farm image

• give yourself time to recruit

• recruit a large pool of applicants

• select the best applicants

Why should businesses seek to hire the best people?

• best opportunity to add strength to your business

• cannot be over-emphasized

• high priority goal

• don’t treat as an afterthought

Why is it important to create a positive public image?

• the general view of farms is negative

• make your farm the exception

• communicate with future employees

• public sees all farms as the same

Why is it important to give time to recruit?

• probability of an employee leaving on short notice is ~100% over time

• don’t force to hire under pressure on regular basis

• have back-up plan

How to create adequate time to recruit a replacement worker?

• always have a pool of applicants at the ready

Why is it important to recruit a large pool?

• only some will be well-qualified

• few of those well-qualified will actually take the job

Two management objectives in interviewing candidates?

• learn more on their qualifications

• sell the job

Two management objectives in checking references

• verify their information

• learn more about their qualifications

Who are the best references?

• former employers

How should managers communicate with references

• talk in person or by phone

• can pick up on novel and nonverbal signs

Term for initially training to help settle new employees and make them feel comfortable and positive in their new job

• Orienting

Two types of leadership behaviors

• supportive

• directive

Three points to give proper coaching

• communicate assertively

• give both positive and negative feedback

• criticize constructively

the four types of progressive discipline

• verbal warning

• written warning

• suspension

• termination

The five elements of a motivating environment

• involvement

• responsibility

• achievement

• recognition

• growth

What does Drucker men when he says to “build on strength”?

• focus more on what the employee can do, and assign them to those tasks and don’t worry as much on the tasks that they may not do as well