How to engage and make your employees thrive

by Startacus Admin

Startacus member former self starter of the week and Arfah Farooq give some sound advice on one of the most challenging aspects of growing a startup- how to make your employees thrive. Over to Arfah...

We all know that starting something is super exciting but that makes us extremely busy. So busy that even when we get help and make our first hire, most of us are pretty rubbish at managing them because it’s the first time you’ve had to do it.

According to a report we commissioned by Alex Bailey, CPP, there are a few key elements that are important for individuals at all levels of an organisation to be engaged in their work, perform well and thrive. Here are the top six:

Respected – It’s important to show respect to your team members. If they feel valued they will work harder

Clarity –Giving clarity can be very difficult in a startup as things can sometimes be reactive but at the start of the week sit down with them and help them figure out what they want to achieve by the end of the week/month.

Praise –Notice their little achievements and remember to say well done

Strengths –Play to their unique strengths. Employees who get to use their strengths are much more productive.

Growth – Give them the chance to grow and develop. Let them take charge and lead a project

Removes blockages – Discuss any issues with them. Try to build trust and create a culture where you can do your best to remove any struggles.

About a month ago we launched ‘Up’ in closed beta that helps to support these principles. Up is a skills development and feedback tracker that helps employees to match their weekly outcomes with their personal career goals & soft skills development. It supports managers to communicate with them in a timely and effective way

Up allows individuals to be empowered and encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and development in their role and they are given an easy platform to raise issues that may be creating blockages.

While in closed beta we are offering a free 30 day trial so drop me Arfah@upupup.io an email to get set up.

For more information on what Arfah is up to, why not pay a little visit to the ‘Up’ website, follow her on twitter or take a peek at her blog!

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Published on: 4th June 2014