Be An Employer Of Choice

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Author: Jerry Williams

Published: October, 2000

Consolidation and automation have dealt a terminal one-two punch to radio's talent pool. Finding adequate employees when you have an opening is difficult enough. Finding great talent, and keeping that talent is one of a General Manager's biggest challenges.

So how do you attract great talent and become an employer of choice? The Gallup Organization has studied over 1 million employees in hundreds of companies representing a multitude of industries and identified the characteristics of the most productive companies. Gallup calls these characteristics the Q12 Advantage.

To attract and hold on to great talent, we must strive to manage so that our employees will be able to repeat the Q12 about us.

1. I know what is expected of me at work.
Employees need clearly defined expectations and goals.

2. I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right.
Even the most talented employee will become frustrated without the tools to succeed.

3. At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day.
We must hire talented people and then put them in positions that best utilize their talents.

4. In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.
Talented people crave input and direction, especially for a job well done.

5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.
To maintain talented people the workplace has to become more than just a job.

6. There is someone at work who encourages my development.
Talented people want to grow and get better, we must encourage and nurture that desire.

7. At work, my opinions seem to count.
Employees who develop a sense of ownership about what they're doing also develop a heightened sense of loyalty.

8. The mission/purpose of my company makes me feel my job is important.
Employees want to feel that they're contributing to more than just the bottom line. Make sure your employees know your mission.

9. My associates (fellow employees) are committed to doing quality work.
Responsibility and accountability when it comes to performance must be demanded of all employees.

10. I have a best friend at work.

11. In the last six months, someone at work has talked to me about my progress.
Regular and consistent employee reviews are necessary for employees to know what's expected of them and to gauge how well they are doing.

12. This last year, I have had opportunities at work to learn and grow.
Employees who believe their company is continuing to invest in them and their growth will have a heightened sense of loyalty.

By managing with the Q12 in mind, we will build loyalty among our most talented and productive employees. And keeping talented employees is the first step in attracting more talented employees and becoming an employer of choice.