Ask a senior manager in any industry to name his or her most valued asset and the answer will be “good people”. Not only are they the most productive, but replacing them is both difficult and costly. As Managing Director of the Real Asset Management Group, I know how important it is to be proactive in ensuring that the best people want to stay with us. To help me and my fellow managers achieve this aim, we use the set of guidelines below for running the business – our ‘Share Scheme’. It seems to have been very successful, as over 30% of our colleagues have worked with us for more than 10 years.
1. Share Ideas
Encourage people to be innovative.
2. Share Space
Have open plan offices where managers work with their teams.
3. Share Knowledge
Provide training that is useful to both the company and to the individual’s career.
4. Share Plans
Keep everyone involved in the long-term objectives of the enterprise.
5. Share Strategies
Publish the business plan and invite discussion.
6. Share Results
Issue summarised accounts each month and explain what’s been happening.
7. Share News
Provide a company Intranet to distribute information about business and personal events.
8. Share Profits
Involve everyone in the profit objective and reward through a bonus scheme.
9. Share Ownership
Implement an employee share scheme to align stakeholder interests.
10. Share Responsibility
Establish a no-blame environment that allows people to be creative and to make mistakes.
