I’m mentally preparing to be torn a new one by this sub, but how can I be a better boss for my employees?
For part of my job, I oversee a small maintenance team. Usually they are great workers who go above and beyond.
The job is a Monday-Friday 8-4 position, but given the nature of property management occasionally emergencies occur and a team member needs to be called in. When I get stressed and feel like things out of control, I tend to micro-manage, but usually do trust the guys to do their jobs.
I am quick to compliment and thank the guys for doing a great job. I bring some kind of breakfast treat every month or two. And make sure to have personal conversations instead of just work-related chat.
Employee A is our newest employee, but our most knowledgeable. Multiple times per week, I receive commendations for his works. He is a star employee.
Employee B is our veteran employee. He’s been with our company for nearly 5 years (company is only 9 years old), and has formed wonderful relationships with our tenants and clients. He can sometimes have a bit of an attitude and will be very quick to complain and rant, especially when he feels like others aren’t carrying their weight. He has also asked clients to loan him money to cover gas, which we put a stop to.
Employee C is our youngest employee. His work quality and attendance are spotty at best (it’s been nearly 2 months since he has worked a full week). Usually he produces decent work, but not to the level of the other two. He isn’t always honest about what tasks he accomplishes, which puts me in an uncomfortable situation when tenants call me asking why a task hasn’t been finished that I believed was completed weeks ago.
How do I support and reward my team in ways that help develop them and retain them for a long time ?