Employer Assertiveness Training
Creating a workplace that is firm, fair, and consistent
Michael Van Horn & B.J. Van Horn
#9 in the series
“Our employees have all had assertiveness training. What we need is employer assertiveness training!” So said a long-time client of mine.What would that look like? It boils down to having a workplace that is firm, fair, and consistent. It’s up to the owners and top people to make this happen.
Firm. Securely fixed; not weak or uncertain. Not subject to constant change or revision.
Fair. Equitable; unbiased; impartial; objective. Unbiased balance of conflicting interests.
Consistent. No variation or contradiction. Possessing harmony, regularity, and continuity.
What does this look like?
Communication is appropriate and professional.
Management is accessible and responsive to employee needs.
Mistakes are addressed in a way to bring about positive change.
Professional courtesy in all verbal and written communication.
Warm up exercise
The Enemies of Firmness, Fairness, and Consistency
Do any of these resonate with you?
You (the employer) are not clear on the nature of the employment relationship.
Your employees are not clear on the nature of the employment relationship, but they quickly learn to work this murkiness to their advantage. and are not challenged by you.
You don't communicate clearly with your employees.
There is a lack of alignment and direction of their efforts.
You don't consistently hold employees accountable for agreements made.
Things are done inconsistently, often differing from employee to employee.
Employees feel you treat some differently from others, and that's not fair.