The Hindu Business Line : Home is where talent is

AS TIME goes, the world is opening up with global opportunities for everyone. It is very difficult to tie people for long at one place unless they see it as home. Here, a few thoughts that may make professionals feel at home.

Engage the mind: Show consideration and allow time for team members to take care of family. In a knowledge society, 24x7 should be for the mind and not the body.

Institute business parenting: Create an environment that promotes independence of thought and action that is consistent with the core values of the company. Serve your team like a caring parent.

Thrive on change: Seek inputs from your team. Also, use those inputs. Evaluate and implement their suggestions. Change is good for you.

Promote harmony: Smile and thank team members. After all, they are not just your greatest assets; they are your company.

Encourage transparency: Keep your team members well informed. People want to know what is going on in the company. The more they know, the better they will understand and support your plans.

Value performance: First, make sure that your salaries are competitive. Then provide incentives based on company, team and individual performance.

Adopt inclusion: That is, get your team members involved in decision making. Put decision-making at the knowledge base. People who are involved in decision-making feel a sense of ownership.

Break the barriers: Celebrate and have fun in your company. Have birthday lunches; recognise longevity; surprise colleagues with special treats; celebrate special events. Show your team members that you really do care.

Discipline and firmness: It is your job to carry your team members so that they can succeed. Take a stand when necessary and support them. Never accuse anyone without all the facts. Never reprimand in public. Remove politics from your company.

Lead by example on ethics and values: Always operate from the highest level of integrity.

Walk your talk. Do what you say you are going to when you say you are going to do it.

(The author is Chairman and Managing Director, ECHC Management Services, and can be contacted at ramshkv@echc.co.in)