One of the most important lessons in life is learning how to treat others. Everybody knows the ‘Golden Rule’ but how many actually follow it?

The other day I read a quote from Thomas Stemberg, the founder of Staples Inc. where he said:

“Treat people right and they will eat nails for you.”

Of course we wouldn’t want our peeps to be eating nails, but I think the point is pretty clear.

In one of my companies, we’re going through the typical growing pains of building the business, attracting good talent, creating a good corporate culture, etc. But one thingI’ve found is that we get back from our people in proportion to what we put in. Sure, there’s a few that put in more and go beyond the call of duty, but there’s also a bunch that just do what they’re asked.

But even those people tend to perform better when we engage them and make them feel like a part of the team. We give them projects that excite them and also help them learn/grow, while benefiting the company.

In every aspect of my life, both personal and business, I have found that the best way to get what you want, is to try and give others what they want. Only through this approach of sharing and helping, can we all become better and reach our individual goals.

I’ve noticed there are still companies out there that round employee’s time (punches, swipes, whatever you want to call it).

I think, back in the day, it was considered a ‘feature’ of a good time capture system so that employer’s would no longer have to pay people for time not worked. And I agree with this concept… nobody should get paid for time they did not work. If an employee shows up 5 or 10 minutes late for their shift, then their pay should be representative of this.

But the flip side is also true. If an employee shows up 5 or 10 minutes early and actually starts working, their pay should be representative of this. Many organizations round this up to the scheduled start time and chalk it up to the notion of “I didn’t ask her to come in early and start early so why should I pay her?”. While in theory this might sound appropriate, it somehow gets lost in practice.

I know that this type of ‘rule’ was implemented generally to prevent people from abusing the system and coming in early only to pick their nose on their employer’s dime. As an employer, I certainly know this frustration and agree that its not fair. But once again, I come back to the point that not paying an employee for time they have worked, is not fair either.

As employers, we need to come up with a scheme that is fair and equitable for both sides. And I guarantee if we don’t, the courts will devise a mechanism that will be onerous, punitive and cumbersome. And that’s advice you can take to the bank!

I’ve long believed in the concept of failing fast… learning quickly and deciding whether to invest more or drop a project like a hot potato.

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