It seems no matter what the economy is doing, keeping good employees is the #1 concern of executives.  The #1 reason those good employees leave is still bad managers, according to a recent article in the Atlanta Business Journal.

“Unhappiness with management” ranked far and above “not enough opportunities for advancement” and “no recognition”.  Far below these was ”salary dissatisfaction”.

Let me ask you … how much effort does it take to focus more on what your employees are dealing with, or what they need or want?  Can you afford to take some time to listen, really listen, to them?  How much does it cost you to give them accolades or specifically thank them?

The higher the level of emotional intelligence, the more likely staff members and employees will stay.  Knowing how your employees [and colleagues] see your handling of stressful and/or uncomfortable situations affects their interactions with you.  If you chastise and berate others, they are less likely to go out on a limb for you.

It’s not what you said, it’s what your staff thinks they heard

The studies have finally caught up with what we all know:  business owners are losing sleep because of the economy.  Anyone that owns a business with less than 99 employees, is an executive for a company with less than 99 employees, or works for a small company, has known this since at least last November.

Other insights from the Atlanta Business Journal

• 81 percent expect to cut costs in some way in 2009
• 42 percent expect to eliminate or cut back expenses in 2009
• 21 percent expect to lay off workers in 2009

So how are you dealing with your employees’ stress?  Are you keeping your communication lines open, or are you avoiding any discussions on feelings?  Are you honest and direct about the state of your company, or are you telling everyone that “life is grand and we have nothing to worry about”.

These are precisely the types of seminars that Shari offers …working with companies that know there are communication challenges or issues, yet do not know how to begin or continue dealing with them.

If this reminds you of your company, call Shari at 281.992.4136 to see if and how she can help.