"The best minute spent is the one I invest in people." Ken Blanchard

Our profession is facing a dilemma: Too few qualified applicants, who after receiving some formal training are still unqualified to perform their duties. It’s easy to hire, but it’s much harder to develop. If you, the owner or manager, want to ensure the success of your company, you need to put the same care and attention, the same passion and persistence, the same focus and action, into the people you hire as you do into the strategy and results of the company. If you want to grow your company you have to grow your people first.

Leading others demands the most of us. It demands all the skills and personal leadership. You have to care – like you really mean it. You have to be accountable to the people around you, and, most of all, you, as the boss, have to show up and be there.

Developing people requires attention and conversation every day, not just during the "annual review." Get to know your people and stick with them, but in ways that they need. Great leaders go to their people...some need pats on the back; some are quiet about what they need while others are noisy about it; some people are high maintenance and others will be self-sufficient. Sticking with people means dealing with different emotional needs.

When you hire someone, you’re hiring a human being, not an asset, and all that comes with that person. And, if someone isn’t doing their job or doesn’t have the desire, skills or proper fit for the work, there’s no time like the present to deal with it directly and in a caring way. If someone commits to doing something and doesn’t get it done, be there, be direct, be driven to get results. I never found caring and results to be in conflict with each other. You can be nice, you can be supportive, and yet you can also be direct and demanding.

As leaders we serve when we develop new leaders and give them the support and resources they need – in the way they need them. We also serve when we help people move on and find places where they can be successful.

Feel free to forward the Kubasak Line to a colleague or friend. Kubasak Associates is the premiere expert in enhanced services for funeral professionals. We provide: individual coaching, workshops, presentations and consulting services. For additional information or to order publications, tapes, reprints, or books, go to: www.Kubasak.com