Want to get more out of your workforce?  Here are 10 tips on creating a profitable partnership between you and your employees.

#1 – Pay attention to the front line.

Listen to your front line as most of your best ideas come from workers closest to production or closest to the customer.  Solicit their input for improvement opportunities and cross-train to allow employees to learn from each other.

#2 – Use worker input.

It’s not just enough to ask for worker input…you have to use it.  And make sure the rest of the team knows when you did.

#3 – Pay for performance.

You simply must find a way to tie worker pay into performance at all levels within your organization.  For employees that are part of work groups, consider offering production incentives or profit-sharing.

#4 – Minimize layers of management.

Push down authority to the lowest possible level within the organization.  Teach your team to think and act like “mini CEOs.”

#5 – Tell your people you care about them (and mean it).

How people are treated goes a long way in determining how they’ll perform, especially in the long term.  What people really want to know is what they do matters.

#6 – Focus on development.

Show employees what they are learning and how it will help them advance their skills and career.  Explain how assignments help an employee reach a development goal.  Learning and development are high priorities to strong employees.

#7 – Guard your culture.

Your philosophy and heritage are important and cultural compatibility should be a big focus of your hiring and policy efforts.

#8 – Set clear goals.

Everyone must clearly understand their role on the team and have a performance goal.  Make them specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and timely (have a time frame associated with the goal).

#9 – Celebrate accomplishments and support people when they make mistakes.

Money isn’t the only way to inspire people.  Recognition is often a great motivator.  Recognize accomplishments and you’ll see people striving to do more.  When workers make mistakes, correct the mistake and focus on the behavior.  Treat people with respect and dignity.  You’ll have less repeat mistakes and a better attitude in your workforce.

#10 – Take some calculated chances.

Every strong business realizes the importance of taking risks.  Your workforce appreciates a progressive company that’s striving to grow and improve, especially in this economic climate.  Embrace new technologies, new marketing approaches and new processes for it is those things that ensure your survival.