Twelve Steps to Getting the Most Out of Your Employees

• NCJ Number: 202762
• Journal: Police Chief Volume: 70 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 46,49-50,52
• Author(s): Steven J. Sarver
• Date Published: October 2003
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses 12 ways to get the most out of police employees.

Abstract

The first way to get the most out of an employee is to try to see things from the line officer’s point of view. Chiefs today can only learn to see things the way younger employees do by getting to know their younger officers and by talking often with the supervisors that work with them. The second step is to include employees in decisionmaking activities and listen to them. Accepting and implementing good employee ideas, and explaining to other employees why their suggestions were not adopted, go a long way toward generating future ideas and suggestions by that employee. The third step is to give employees responsibility and hold them accountable. Employees need to understand the rewards of good performance and the consequences of failing to fulfill responsibilities. The fourth step is to reward employees for contributions, and give credit where it is due. A good way to do this is by providing them with a copy of the final project and its list of contributors, so they can see for themselves. The fifth step is to publicly commend employee accomplishments. Invite the media, the employee’s family, and other members of the police family to share in the recognition. The sixth step is to mentor and support employees. Employees should not only be supported in their desires to gain knowledge and experience but also encouraged to do so. The seventh step is to challenge employees to explore new ideas. The culture emanating from the chief must be that all ideas are welcome and will be taken seriously. The eighth step is to treat employees as they want to be treated. The ninth step is to be firm when necessary. The tenth step is to be honest with employees. The eleventh step is to be a part of employee activities. The final step is to care about employees. Chiefs are encouraged to get to know the families of their employees and inquire about their well being from time to time.