Managing to create loyalty

It may be difficult to know, upon hiring a new employee, who will be successful and loyal, who you can trust with your business and your clients, and who will master the projects you give them. You can, however, create a work culture that encourages this kind of employee behavior. We teach others how to treat us, in our every interaction. This is true in personal relationships (thanks, Dr. Phil!) but it's also true of our work lives.

First, let's look at your management style. Do you prefer to tell people what to do, watch to see if they fail, and then chew them out to prevent them from making mistakes in the future? Do you prefer to be in control, sometimes second guessing your people, even in areas that aren't your expertise? This management style is called "authoritarian." Do you prefer to lead by committee, or let your employees figure out what to do on their own? This kind of manager may listen to what employees say, but may not offer any guidance, and seldom goes to bat with upper management for his employees; acting more or less as a messenger from the higher ups, trying to be the "nice guy." This is the "permissive" employer style. Finally we have the manager who listens to and appreciates employee ideas, but stands firm on deadlines and standards; gives guidance where it is helpful, champions promising employees, and utilizes team work and committees to inspire and inform. This style is called "authoritative."

Each style has its benefits to those who use it. But who do you think retains the best employees? Whose protegés will go on to climb the ladder of success? Some people thrive in a negative environment, they like the challenge, or feel safer with a boss to tell them what to do. Some people are self starters and can fill their role without much prompting. But most employees want a balance between guidance and freedom, they want to know their work is appreciated, and a benefit to the company. They want to know that they're taken care of but also expected (and allowed!) to grow and learn with their career.

Think of the bosses you have had in life. Which ones did you feel the most loyal to? When you think of the range of employee types, whom would you prefer on your team?