Like many people, when travelling I now download a podcast for the journey. I recently listened to an episode from 21CC (21st Century Construction), by the Chartered Institute of Building. A feature in it caught my attention - a Construction Manager was being interviewed about a new book he had written. It was all about how managers and leaders in the construction industry need to evolve away from the traditional command and control management style and adapt an approach where staff are empowered. His ethos is based on giving people parameters and incentives, then letting them express themselves and come up with the solutions. That includes letting staff decide their own working hours, office layouts, solutions to challenges, then using praise to reward and encourage them further. Basically, using a carrot rather than a stick approach. This results in better productivity and improved staff retention. It sounds simple, and it is. I use the same approach with my nine-year old son. I have agreed with him how many hours he can play Fortnite on his Nintendo Switch, and when he wants to do so. Likewise, I let him decide on when he wants to do his homework, then let him do it within the agreed parameters. I never criticise any of his work, rather I praise him for completing it well. The term is self-esteem. People thrive when they feel valued. The same principle applies for people of all ages and abilities, whether at work or at home.
Photo by Sebastien LE DEROUT on Unsplash.