re: What do you value more in employees?

quote:

---

Marathon. I want people who want to retire from here.

---

That kinda sounds unrealistic for anyone with any sort of ambition

Someone that shows up. I can't tell you how many employees call in sick for the most ridiculous reasons and it's always the same ones over and over

I want employees who want to run their own company one day and are competent enough to do so. If/when they leave, I’ll find the next one.

ETA: I’ve never understood business owners or management folks who begrudge their employees for wanting the same elevated position and income for themselves and their families. I like the people working a level or two below me and want the best for them, and that probably will be with another firm at some point. Me having to find a new employee is a small price to pay for their improved well-being.

quote:

---

3nOut

---

Sounds like we are in a very similar situation (very different industries, lol). I am the first ever employee at our company - left another company with my boss (our owner) to start this from the ground up. We are at about 15 employees now, some being contract.

I have a Director title and do not answer to a manager, but I also don't really involve myself in managing the rest of the team. I am kinda in my own world as a one woman show, with part timers under me during the busy season.

Right now is our slow time of year, and like you, I am basically paid during this time of year as retainer. I am still on calls, have some light work I take care of this time of year, manage audits, etc.. but day to day, I have down time. It's kinda one of those "she's paid year round so she's still here when shite gets crazy in the fall". I manage compliance for our clients, so my role is more about my knowledge than my physical work.

quote:

---

i will say that I have had multiple tempting poaching offers with some more money, but I have 2 teenage boys in sports and I enjoy the flexibility with a small company for the time I have to make their sports with a small company.

---

Agreed. The flexibility I have is unmatched and keeps me loyal. I do pretty damn well for a woman with a useless degree and could probably make even more elsewhere if I tried, but I like the freedom I have here.

quote:

---

The other type is highly motivated and competent. There's never a problem with their work. The issue with them is they are constantly looking for a better opportunity somewhere else.

---

Why is this a bad thing? You have to incentivize them to stay. And if you want them to retire there and have a career with your company, its up to you to make it a place they want to stay.

quote:

---

You're left having to find someone new and then train them all over again.

---

Welcome to owning a business. This never ends.

Am I a manager or an owner in this scenario?

If I'm a manager, dull loyal people are the bread and butter. I can plan accordingly.

If I'm an owner, I understand talent gets restless. I compensate well and expect them to move on from the jump. Talent is far better (and expensive) but it's less pricey than becoming complacent and reducing my market value for my industry.

quote:

---

One is exceptionally loyal to you & the company, but doesn't work to their highest potential. No amount of rewards or ego boosts can move the above what they produce. You're constantly having to double check their work. They'll never be able to do the big job, but you know you can count on them when you need smaller jobs done.

---

No thank you.

Sounds like this guy:

quote:

---

The other type is highly motivated and competent. There's never a problem with their work. The issue with them is they are constantly looking for a better opportunity somewhere else. Unless you want to give up part of the compan yto them, they know they can make more money if they go work for them selves. And then they leave with the years of training your provided them. You're left having to find someone new and then train them all over again.

---

ALL DAY, EVERY DAY.

I want employees who give me a nice problem to have. Every time I have one of these, I'm grooming another to replace him - so the free agent worker knows he's replaceable.

The goal is to have employees whose labor value exceeds their salary value, until you can meet their value.