How Do You Treat Your Average And Low-skilled Personnel?

In a typical business organization, there are few star players and many average and low-skilled players, mostly in support functions. While star players are celebrated; the average and low-skilled ones seldom get noticed or appreciated. But the fact is that organizations don’t run because of their star players. Behind the success and charisma of star players, there lies an unending stream of efforts by the average and low-skilled ones. A collective effort of average and low-skilled personnel helps stars succeed.

The point is not that star players should not be celebrated. The point I am trying to make is that average players should not be ignored. From my experience in dealing with average and low skilled personnel, I have come to understand that what they crave most is appreciation, and acknowledgement that their efforts count in organization’s growth. They don’t expect celebrations in their name. They are aware of their limitations. What they want is a little bit of appreciation of their work from time to time.

But unfortunately, managers and leaders often overlook them thinking that they don’t matter much. They have a feeling that these employees are easily replaceable so there is no need to give extra attention to them. It is true that they are easily replaceable because of their low level of skills; but at the same time the organization doesn’t do itself a favour by keeping majority of its employees demoralized. It definitely affects overall productivity of the organization.

It has been my experience that if you treat these average and low-skilled personnel with love, respect, and appreciative words, they are willing to go extra miles when you ask them to. Whether it is staying at office till late to complete an urgent assignment or to take work home so that you don’t lose your face next day, they can make your life easy if you care for them. The rule is simple: you get what you give.

All you need to keep them happy and enthusiastic is to talk to them with smile, show them that their work counts, publicly appreciate their efforts when they do some task well, give small treat (chocolate, pizza, etc.) when they have really slogged hard for you. These small gestures don’t cost a fortune, but they go a long way in keeping your work environment in a vibrant mood that churns out the highest quality of productivity from all personnel.

Character of a man is judged by how he treats people who are below him in social, economic, or professional order. It is high time for leaders and managers to take some serious initiatives to bring character in their organizations!