Workforce Motivation And Morale I builds loyalty. • Seek employee input. How n these challenging times, • Be upfront and honest. When you about asking each employee it is more important have conflict, deal with it honestly. Take what he or she most values and than ever to maintain responsibility for your role in the conflict use their answers to set compa- employee morale at your busi- and move quickly to resolve it amicably. ny goals? This shows employees ness. Satisfied, happy employ- Apologize if you are wrong. they are valued. ees exude confidence, while • Do not gossip. Eliminate company • Catch them in the act. frustrated, anxious employees gossip from your life, and keep all com- Start a daily incentive program exude doubt. Which do you pany concerns confidential. Hire a coach in which you "Catch `em doing prefer? if you need support to handle company something great!" Give a small Rober t Sher It is important in your day- gossip. incentive, like a free lunch or Colu mnist to-day management that you • Do not micromanage. Trust your coffee house card, and post know how to prevent a rotten employees to make smart decisions with- his or her photo on the wall. This incen- apple from spoiling the barrel. When you out your interference. Delegate. You will tive will reinforce the importance of go to work every day, remember that you going above and beyond the job can make an employee's day, or you can description. It sets the bar for break it. You — the president, manager, You the president, manager, others to follow. partner and supervisor — are the most • Launch an employee news- partner and supervisor — are the powerful force in employee motivation letter, print or online. This and morale. most powerful force in employee purpose is exclusively to recog- Here are some tips on how to protect nize employee accomplishments. and motivate your employees, your most Everyone loves to be recognized. motivation and morale. valued assets: • Lead to motivate. Showing employees This instills pride. build self-esteem by allowing employees • Host a monthly fun hour. Bring in you get along with people, have compas- to try new things and to be successful by lunch for the office. Bring in a therapist sion and know how to make them feel adding a personal touch to a project. to do chair massage. Offer yoga during good about themselves will motivate • Train your employees. To build on the work day — and you pay for it. This employees to do their jobs well. 411111PPP 411 ' ••=;if employee strength, provide training that allows them to grow and learn what is necessary to make a significant impact in company operations. This will make their work more meaningful. • Act, don't react. Do not act hastily without thinking something through. If you lose an account, and you don't know why, do not call someone into your office and scream. Get the facts, and handle the situation delicately. Yelling is never effec- tive. Speak calmly and act rationally. Follow these tips and you will encourage your employees to go above and beyond the job description. Ultimately, this might help you increase your bottom line. Robert Sher, CPA, is a certified executive coach. Formerly CFO and partner for Schostak Brothers & Company, he has been a delegate from the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants to the National Future Forum working on the CPA "Vision" Project. Sher serves on the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees and is treasurer of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Foundation. His e-mail address is: info@bobsher.com. DO YOU HAVE BUSINESS OR PERSONAL TAX PROBLEMS? Levy & Associates can help? *Or 0 We stop and resolve the situation before going to court, and lawyers are needed. We let you focus on your personal and professional life. SPECIALIZING IN: • Abatement of Penalties • Offer in Compromise • Installment Agreements • IRS Collection Issues • Release of Wage Garnishments • Currently Non-Collectible Status • Innocent Spouse Claims • Release of Bank Levies • State Tax Collection Issues • Unfiled Tax Returns We are a Michigan based corporation. We have successfully represented thousands of corporations and individuals throughout the State of Michigan. Associates: • Charles M. Inman, III, C.P.A.+ • Kenneth Winston, E.A.• • Patricia L. Martinez, C.P.A.+ • Dale L. Gudenau, Esq.** • Michelle C. Levy, Esq.** • Julie Morley* • Richard A. Erickson++ • Renee M. Cooney* • Glenn Sturm, C.P.A. & A.I.C.P.A. • Allen Reback, Regional Manager • Jerry Becker, Regional Manager + Member Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants ** Member Michigan Bar Association • Member National Society of Accountants • Former IRS Revenue Officer ++ American Society of Tax Problem Solvers YOUR OPTIONS: Reduction or elimination of penalties Payment plans Settlement for less than the amount demanded EVY We have resolved MILLIONS in tax liabilities in the last year alone! SSOCIATE INC. TAX 001',1L'AJL.TI-Ais \ITC) OFFICE. LOCATIONS • New York • Los Angeles • Boston • Ft. Lauderdale • West Palm Beach • Tampa • c)rlando • Dallas Lawrence B. Levy Member National Society of Accountants & American Society of Tax Problem Solvers • Fort Worth 28400 Southfield Rd • Southfield, MI 48075 248.557.4048 • Fax 248.443.1642 • Indianapolis Toll Free 877.666.1evy (5389) www.Ievygroupinc.com July 12• 2007 25