How can I get my employees to do their jobs right without micromanaging?

Question

I manage a team of 7 employees at a car wash. Most of them are under the age of 19. I have a couple of great employees who rarely slack off but for the most part my team is severely lacking in performance. I haven't been a manager that long... a few months. This is my first management position. I thought i would be able to treat everyone like adults, and that they would be responsible enough to do their jobs right without me micromanaging them. But it seems like they'll do whatever they can to get out of doing much besides holding up a wall for their whole shift if i'm not there. I don't want to have to write people up for every little thing, and i don't want to have to be EXTREMELY specific and make orders all the time, and have to threaten them with write ups all the time. My boss says "you're not there to make friends" and i understand that...but i have to work with these people every day. I would think it would be easier to get their respect if they don't all hate me for being a micromanaging jerk all the time.... can anyone with management experience offer some advice??

Claudia · Accepted Answer

First of all make sure they each individually understand what their job is...have a private meeting with each person.  If they are unsure of anything then make sure they are informed and trained if needed. Ask them each if they are having any issues at work and if so find out what they are and solve if possible. Talk to all the members of staff as the team they are and encourage everyone to help each other. Make it an upbeat happy place to work where everyone helps and encourages each other. Praise every person when you see them doing something good in their job, do not be one of those bosses that only seems to show up for mistakes. Encourage each person to take responsibility for their roles and the business in general, make them proud to be part of the team.  Hope that helps in some way.

kemperk · Answer

i am betting whoever does the hiring hires anyone; illegals
and non English speakers and smokers and drinkers
IF SO, you are not going to go anywhere. IF I am wrong
and they are all legal citizens and have a HS education and
are non smokers, you stand a chance.

Otherwise, tell me--a college teacher of management,
what is the motivation for the staff to perform to the
maximum of their ability every day?   MOST owners
presume just hiring will get top performance.  IT will not.
IT cannot.

HOW about convincing the owners to engage in--start,
an ESOP- remuneration system.    FEW employers
use the best tool ever created for getting the best
employees to perform top........with the least
amount of effort.....[cause it means sharing ---conditionally]
ownership!!!

? · Answer

Subtly let the hard workers know you've noticed. Is there a way you could give the harder workers some privileges? Like extra hours, a small raise, or something? Because that way, you could reward you good workers, and the slackers will see their coworkers getting fringe benefits and want them too.

Two birds, one stone.

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How can I get my employees to do their jobs right without micromanaging?

3 Answers