How to Develop Your Superstar Employees

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Even if you have only two or three employees, developing the skills of those you want to keep long-term is essential to the success of your business.

How to Develop Your Superstar Employees
One of your core responsibilities as a manager is to develop the next generation of leaders. How can you help your superstar employees fulfill their potential? Here are three strategies.

  • Measure their progress against key leadership competencies. These include team management, relationship building, and communication. Identify where your high potentials are already strong and where they can continue to grow.
  • Help them boost their emotional intelligence. Specifically, focus on their self-awareness and empathy. Self-awareness can be learned through feedback and assessments, and empathy can be developed by focusing on inquiry, practicing active listening, and acknowledging different perspectives.
  • Encourage a learning mindset. Becoming a leader requires growth beyond technical expertise. Encourage development of contextual intelligence: the ability to understand and operate in multiple contexts and adapt one’s style and approach accordingly. This means nudging high potentials to work and learn outside of their comfort zone.
This tip is adapted from “How to Help Superstar Employees Fulfill Their Potential,” by Anthony J. Mayo

Who are the “Associates”?

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I’m often asked, “who are the ‘Associates’ at Van Tholen & Associates?”  Let me introduce you to our leading “Associate”.

Ed Dryfhout and I were co-owners in a waste collection company for 17 years.  It was a great partnership, where Ed managed our fleet, and I managed sales and administration, and together with a remarkable staff, we shared responsibility in leadership and managing the day-to-day operations.

In Ed’s role as Fleet Manager, he spec’d our trucks and containers, managed maintenance and repair of our fleet, rebuilt collection vehicles, initiated our tire management program and undertook initiatives in the areas of safety, productivity and leadership that contributed to our company’s growth and health.

Now, he serves our clients with the knowledge and experience based on over 30 years in the waste industry.  From designing maintenance programs to making recommendations on products, services and procedures, Ed can help keep your fleet running reliably and effectively.

If you are faced with tough decisions regarding buying, selling or operating your equipment, Ed is here ready and willing to help, bringing you value by helping to manage your fleet better.  Reach out to us at Van Tholen & Associates to speak to Ed if you need to discuss improvements to your fleet management!  Call today at 616-813-1657 or fill out the contact form at vantholenassociates.com.

 

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Another win for an independent company over a national. But can they make any money at that rate?

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https://communityimpact.com/houston/katy/government/2020/07/20/katy-city-council-selects-texas-pride-as-new-trash-recycling-services-provider/

 

Can an independent hauler perform better than a national company?

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Why do municipalities tolerate poor performance from the national waste companies, and why can’t these companies get their act together? If you need an argument against a city going to an exclusive agreement, this might be it!

 

https://www.nola.com/news/politics/article_96ba53ce-c143-11ea-8d7d-07dd37ab0e1d.html

Some Garbageman Poetry

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Found this gem in some of my dad’s stuff from back in the day.

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Thank you all for visiting the new home of Van Tholen & Associates.  Periodically, I will be posting information here that may be valuable to you in running your business.  Your feedback and requests are encouraged and appreciated!

 

Looking forward to serving you,

 

John