Did you know…most employees don’t quit their jobs, they quit their supervisors! Holding onto good employees will very soon be the greatest challenge your company has ever faced. How is that you ask? Well, imagine a key employee leaving your company for another. Now, imagine finding someone of the same caliber to replace that person. If you were so lucky, good for you though it is now conceivable that this job position may go empty for a very long time.

Attracting a new or replacement employee will soon become a company’s greatest quality in order to survive. Most are under the assumption that it is working conditions and pay which are the primary factors to attract employees. It’s important to know that operating under that assumption will put your company in jeopardy.

In the next few years close to ten million baby-boomers will be retiring in Canada. That’s one third of our population. Only the first few have started their retirement and we are already seeing unprecedented job vacancies. Imagine how tough it will be to attract employees in only a few years.

If a company is to invest in itself right now where do you think those dollars might best be spent? Is it in becoming smarter or better at what the company does? That’s always good though the best bang for the buck will probably be in training the company’s managers and supervisors. The training needed here will be what’s known as “soft skills.” These soft skills are relative to supporting and empowering employees as unique and creative individuals. It’s in these skills that a company will differentiate itself as being desirable to work for.

Studies are showing that personal recognition far outweighs pay, benefits and working conditions. A hand-written note of appreciation or taking an interest in that employee as a person goes much further than an extra week’s paid vacation. When companies get this they will invest heavily in their supervisors and managers to become champions and coaches for their employees.

The most dangerous words put together are: “I know that!” It’s at this time when our minds close up and stop receiving new information or ideas. Being open to new ideas and new information fosters creativity, innovation and respect for each other. There are companies where everyone in the organization is coachable and teachable and the newest employee can offer feedback to the most senior people in the company. It is this which will set companies apart as most desirable to work for over anything else. In the end it is respect that will help a company stay together and thrive in the marketplace.

Much of this I’ve learned from a master in the field of corporate training. For the past ten years he has flown all over North America and has trained 130 of the Fortune 500. His name is Darren Jacklin and happens to be from our area. He will be leading a powerful training weekend in Armstrong this September for Managers, Supervisors and Team Leaders. The training will be in the “soft skills” and promises to pay high dividends for your company. To enroll yourself in the possibilities go to www.darrenjacklin.com

My hope is that you have a better understanding on how important soft skills have become in the workplace. Training for these is a life-long and rewarding endevour. So until next week, remember: “in only two days, tomorrow will be yesterday, lean into it!” As I offer insights, stories, tips and career information, please contact me to share your stories opinions and comments to Don Campbell.