Top 10 ways to be a great people manager.

When the long-predicted worker shortage begins to hit the business world, companies with the best reputation for people management will win. Here are the top 10 attributes of a great people manager:

1. Show respect. Many leaders say their people are their greatest asset but when it comes down to it, their actions don't line up with their words. That inconsistency is never lost on employees--they see it every time. Showing respect means valuing each individual and what they bring to the table. It means giving the benefit of the doubt, assuming the best and developing a relationship built on trust.

2. Have a plan and talk about it. As the old saying goes, "Without a vision, the people perish." Do your people really know where they're headed? Not just a general notion, but rather a solid, specific plan for the future. Tell people about the opportunities the future holds. Paint a picture of what could be. Explain how barriers and problems can be overcome to achieve greatness. Always keep an inviting, encouraging goal in the forefront of people's minds.

3. Involve people in the plan. There's nothing so engaging as feeling that what you're doing matters and makes an impact. Help people discover the link between what they do and the bottom line. Tell them how their performance helps the organization get where it needs to be.

4. Listen and act. Be a disciplined listener. True listening is a skill and it's not easy. Put your own agenda and perspective aside and really listen to what people are saying. If you haven't listened in a while, you'll be truly amazed by what you hear. Then, act on what people tell you. If you don't act, you won't hear as much next time you ask, because people will stop telling you.

5. Keep people informed. Share information that people want to know, not just what you want to tell them. Ask people for their preferred way of receiving information. Err on the side of sharing too much.

6. Reward people in meaningful ways. Pay attention to what your people truly value. If you don't know, ask. In study after study, when people are asked what rewards matter most to them, cash awards rarely make it to the top of the list. The most frequent responses have to do with opportunities for growth and development, career advancement, verbal and written praise and personal recognition. Time off is also a reward that many people value more highly than money.

7. Play fair. Before making a people-related decision, ask yourself: "Is this the fair and decent thing to do?" If the answer is "no," reconsider or find an alternate plan.

8. Be real. Be open and honest. Tell it like it is.

9. Be human. Remember, no matter what the business agenda is, people are always more important. Business agendas come and go but building positive people relationships is a lasting investment you can't afford not to make.

10. Lighten up. When it's all said and done, it's just a job. Keep a balanced perspective and don't take yourself or any work-related goal so seriously that you abuse, neglect or mistreat people in the process. It's never worth it.

Leah A. Reynolds is owner of Leah Reynolds Associates Inc. in Farmington Hills, a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

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Visit the Detroiter Online at www.detroitchamber.com/detroiter for these additional articles by Leah Reynolds:

* Numerous studies indicate that many employees are dissatisfied with their jobs. Find out how to buck this trend and create a winning work environment.

* Do your employees resist change? Learn the six primary reasons why workplace change can be challenging--and how you can better manage the process.