Management

Running a business comes naturally to me, but managing a staff is still a challenge. It’s review time in our office and after 22 years, there is no magic formula to lead and motivate. Here are five tips to help those of you like me.

A friend’s family company manufactures customized products. A customer called to say that delivery of his order by Friday was critical. The receptionist checked, then replied that standard delivery should arrive Thursday. On Thursday, only two of five boxes arrived. Unhappiness ensued.

Millions of Floridians missed work to prepare for or evacuate from Hurricane Irma. Employers wondered if they needed to pay employees when their business was temporarily closed.

Unlike millennials, Generation Z (born after 1995) grew up in uncertain times, so they have different priorities. This is important for employers to know, because members of Generation Z are now seeking their first jobs.

Company holiday parties celebrate the year’s accomplishments and help employees bond, but inappropriate behavior or accidents from excessive drinking can lead to colorful water-cooler stories and land employers in legal trouble.

Success in sales is often about overcoming negatives rather than emphasizing positives. Similarly, success in management is often about avoiding failures. Reaching budgets brings short-term success, but to maximize career success, it’s important for a manager to avoid failures.

On Dec. 1, many more salaried workers may become eligible for the federal overtime premium. Under a new Fair Labor Standards Act regulation, some employees who make less than $47,476 will no longer qualify for exemption from overtime pay.

I’ve hired bright college graduates for their first job since 1987. At orientation, I emphasize one point: the only dumb question is the one you didn’t ask.