An AmericanLaundryNews.com Exclusive
CHICAGO — As the year comes to a close and we enter the depths of winter — and look forward to beginning another new year — I wanted to gather some pointers that we often read about and have been educated on, but that folks just seem to forget in day-to-day operations.
- Greet your employees and continually thank them for the job they do each and every day.
- Recognize your customers and educate them on what you do for them and how you accomplish those tasks.
- For those of you who are continually rude to customer service folks, think outside the box and appreciate the environment around you — you know, actually see the forest for the trees.
- Be careful what you say about others. Eventually, whatever was said will get to the person about whom you’re speaking.
- Pay attention to the fire and safety requirements of your operation.
- Recognize the importance of preventative maintenance and take positive action in order to meet these challenges.
- Learn what you can about our industry. The state of the art in how we produce and deliver textiles is rapidly changing — don’t get left behind as the train leaves the station.
- As a manager, understand and appreciate what it takes to get the job done. Someday you may be required to fill in. In other words, never forget your roots.
- Stand your ground and protect the employees that make you look so good. Listen, comprehend and recognize!
- If you made a mistake years ago and continually live with that mistake, it’s never too late to apologize. Remember that career you tarnished for your own benefit?
- Be smart and avoid vulnerability. Know the rules and regulations that surround your operation, and don’t expect others to cry foul. For example, if you’re in the federal government, know what procurement rules and regulations exist. Ignorance is never a valid excuse.
- If you don’t know, always be confident enough to ask questions.
- Take a hard look in the mirror. If you don’t like what you see, have the courage to change.
- Take a long, hard look in your closet — give to charity or to someone who can actually benefit from what you don’t need.
- Never put your job before your family. No one is that important — and don’t assume you are.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].