All Employees Are Not Created Equal
By George Anderson
Every company has them. Workers that are “high performers” and those that, well, are not.
An article on the KPMG Consumer Markets Insiders Web site maintains “there is growing evidence that their (high performers’) great potential to create more value for businesses is still going largely untapped.”
Too often, companies fail to make any substantial distinction between high and average or below average performers. Compensation packages often perpetuate “the myth that all employees are created equal.”
To get the most from high-performers it is important to remember they are motivated by more than just money. Provide high performers with a sense of mission and reward them for their contribution to achieving its goals.
All employees are not created equally so put your high performers on projects that require a high level of execution.
Solicit ideas on improving business from high performers. Give them ownership to inspire commitment.
Recruit employees with a history of performance. The desire to perform above the norm is a trait demonstrated from one position to another as well as from company to company.
Reward high performers with compensation reflecting their contribution to achieving corporate objectives.
Create a culture of high performance. “Coach, move or terminate low performers, especially low-performing managers.”
Moderator’s Comment: What should companies do to create
the right conditions for high performers to realize their full potential?
Clearly, there is much more involved but we’ve always
been motivated by employers that not only praise our performance but show us
the money. [George
Anderson – Moderator]