Does Your Management Style Remind People Of Something They Read In Dilbert?

With thanks to Jeff Foxworthy, the comedian who does the "You might be a redneck series of jokes.

If you really believe people in your group are lucky to have a job, you might be a jerk.

If, when you call a meeting, people suddenly call in sick, you might be a jerk.

If you tell people, "It's my way or the highway," you might be a jerk.

If you think your staff is lucky to have a job, you might be a jerk.

And, there are a million more and I'm sure you get the idea.

The labor recession is over. people are returning to work in IT and not all your problems will be solved by ourtsourcing jobs to India, Ireland, China, Eastern Europe or Canada. You are going to need talent. And if you treat your staff poorly, you will be losing people that you are going to need because they understand your business and your systems and someone else will pay them more and treat them better.

So here they are. Five simple points that will help you succeed. A five point framework for finding and keeping good people.

1. Identify your key people and treat them well.

This doesn't just mean paying well or above scale but inviting their input and paying for training. Remember, the web means that if you have a bad day, they can send their resume to 400 firms in 2 minutes and get paid more by someone who needs what they have in the way of skills.

2. Identify what attributes make someone a terrific employee. Being a terrific employee is only partly skill based. It involves a huge amount of character and the right personality fit for your firm. What are the common attributes of your best people and your up-and-comers? When you interview, how can you find out whether the candidate will fit your culture.

(Comment: "Fit your culture" does not mean that everyone in your group should be Italian, Pakistani, Jewish or a part of any ethnic or religious group. It's probably the last way you should compose a group).

3. A team of "yes-men and women" won't support one another stretch. Teams need to grow as leaders and if everyone is alike then how will creative thought be fostered?

4. Don't scapegoat anyone. Instead, foster the best qualities of your staff. Mentor people. It may take more time but you'll get better results.

5. Show some kindness and heart to your people. They are not machines but people with families, bills and bad days, just like you. An occasional, "Is everything OK," and really listening to the answer can go a long way to building staff loyalty.

Jeff Altman has successfully assisted many corporations identify technology management leaders and staff since 1971. He is also co-founder of Your Next Job, a networking group focused on assisting technology professionals with their job search, a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist. For additional job hunting or hiring tips, go to http://www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you're looking for a new position, include your resume).

TEXT-S&P revises Apollo Investment Corp outlook to stable Reuters (The following statement was released by the rating agency) -- Apollo Investment Corp. (AIC) has announced changes in management, a reduction in its dividend, and adjustments to its investment strategy. -- In our view, changes to the firm's investment ... Apollo Investment Changing Strategy, ManagementWall Street Journal Company News for February 9, 2012Zacks.com Apollo Investment's CEO Discusses Q3 2012 Results - Earnings Call TranscriptSeeking Alpha Economic Times -Tech24 all 28 news articles »

Integrated Asset Management Corp. Announces Results for the First Quarter of ... MarketWatch (press release) TORONTO, ONTARIO, Feb 09, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Integrated Asset Management Corp. ("IAM") /quotes/zigman/18979 CA:IAM -7.14% today announced unaudited financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2011. Review of the 3-Month Period ... and more »

USA TODAY

Oracle buys talent management firm Taleo for US$1.9B ITWorld Canada Oracle beefed up its competitive position against rival SAP in the growing human capital management market on Thursday with the acquisition of Taleo, which provides a cloud-based software system for managing talent in a corporate enterprise. Oracle to pay $1.9B for Taleo, extends SAP rivalryThe Associated Press Oracle to pay $1.9 billion for personnel software company, extends rivalry ...Washington Post Oracle to pay $1.9 billion for Taleo, extends SAP rivalryUSA TODAY GMA News -Reuters all 391 news articles »

Mildred Hailey to Retire From Bromley-Heath Tenant Management Corp. Patch.com Mildred Hailey to Retire From Bromley-Heath Tenant Management Corp. The Jackson Square housing development will be run by the Boston Housing Authority, at least in the short term. By Chris Helms It's the end of an era at Bromley-Heath, as the woman who ... and more »

VIST Financial Corp. Announces 2011 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Operating ... MarketWatch (press release) VIST Financial Corp. is diversified financial services company headquartered in Wyomissing, PA, offering banking, insurance, investments, and wealth management services throughout Berks, Southern Schuylkill, Montgomery, Delaware, Philadelphia and ... and more »

State Street's Powers Seeks to Expand Active Money Management Bloomberg Scott Powers, head of State Street Corp.'s investments unit, said the Boston-based company is looking to increase its active management business. ?We're focused on broadening out our active capabilities,? Powers said during a presentation in New York ... and more »

Baja Mining Files Management Information Circular and Exposes Mount Kellett's ... MarketWatch (press release) VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Feb 09, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Baja Mining Corp. /quotes/zigman/31250 CA:BAJ +4.30% (otcqx:BAJFF) today advised shareholders that it has filed and is mailing its Management Information Circular for a Special ... and more »

Owl Creek hedge fund cuts stake in Navistar Reuters Feb 9 (Reuters) - New York-based Owl Creek Asset Management, a $7 billion hedge fund, reported a 7-percent stake in truck and engine maker Navistar International Corp, down from an 8.4 percent stake in December, a regulatory filing showed on Thursday. and more »

CPI Corp. Announces Leadership Transition MarketWatch (press release) "I look forward to working more closely with the management team and our associates across the country to help improve the Company's financial performance." Abel chaired the company's Audit Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee, ... CPI Corp. to Trade on OTCQX as "CPIC"NEWS.GNOM.ES (press release) all 30 news articles »

Deyu Agriculture Corp. Acquires Deep Processed Food Manufacturer, Taizihu Group MarketWatch (press release) Forward looking statements are based upon the current plans, estimates and projections of Deyu Agriculture Corp.'s management and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward looking statements. and more »