Earning Your Employee’s Trust & Respect

The business of retail and wholesale are often 7 day a week jobs. As owners of your businesses, there may even be weeks when 7 days aren’t even enough! If you are fortunate enough to have great help – whether from family, friends or associates – then you are steps ahead of many other small business owners out there who manage to do it all on their own. No matter who is working with you or for you, though, it is important to earn their trust. In doing this, you are also giving respect to your business so that the efforts of your employees are performed to the best of their abilities.

Give Trust To Earn Trust

As business owners or even managers, expectations are set that are expected to be performed accordingly. Any track off course from an employee can cause disappointment, frustration, lack of trust and many other feelings that may result in an employee relationship that is micro-managed from your end. It may not, though, as well. Depending on your management style, you may look at mistakes as an opportunity for growth. On the other hand, depending on what is being done incorrectly, you may feel that it isn’t your job to teach some of the basic retail or wholesale skills in which you are managing. Whatever the case may be, remember to deliver your message of correction or concern to your employees with respect. In addition, make sure to allow your employees the chance to do things a few times before your expectations are set in stone as one way or no way. Your employees need to feel as if you have confidence in them in order for their confidence to grow, typically allowing them to grow in their skill set, performance and dedication as employees of your business, as well. The benefits of this type of trust and respect can lead to stronger sales and better customer service, in addition to a healthier line of communication between you and your employees.

Mending Broken Trust

Not only can you feel like you don’t trust employees, but they can feel like they don’t trust you. Possibly you promised them a weekend off and then “forgot” or added them to the schedule anyway. Maybe you dismissed some of their comments regarding the business and neglected to show you cared in their thoughts or interests. Whatever the case may be, you can earn back the trust you may have lost. Be realistic with the time and sensitivity that this may take, but don’t ignore the opportunity. One way to approach the situation is the be honest and upfront with your employee/s that you want to mend the situation. Tell them what you value in their work and suggest ways that together you can improve your working relationship. Don’t forget to ask them what they are thinking or what their suggestions may be regarding the situation. Showing them that you care will begin the process of earning your trust again.

Gaining Respect

Respect isn’t given easily these days. It’s competitive out there in every way, including earning respect from your own employees. Wearing the hat of the boss doesn’t automatically equal respect from your associates. You need to earn this and you need to respect what this means, as well. Whether you are giving orders or assigning responsibilities, the delivery of your communication is the best way for you to earn, gain and keep respect. You should respect your own associates and speak to them like counterparts rather than less qualified employees. This doesn’t mean you should ignore the necessary explanations that may need to be said, but it does mean you don’t need to speak to your employees as if they are children. Speaking of children – make sure you avoid acting like a child yourself. Never gossip, never lie to and never disrespect anyone you work with – whether within your own company or outside vendors. Your employees  may observe this and make judgement on you as a result.

Finally, follow your gut. Each employee is different and likewise, your leadership in managing them may need to be different, as well. The good old fashioned lesson of kindergarten holds true here, as well, when dealing with employee relations – treat others like you would like to be treated yourself!