subject: The #1 Habit Of Highly Successful Small Business Owners [print this page] Running a small business is definitely a great challenge. It is no secret that between 75%-80% of all small businesses fail within the first two years. However, it is also no secret that some small business owners seem to have the "magic touch", and they run a business that not only survives, it THRIVES. Here is the #1 habit that these successful owners have in common.
1) They Appropriately Praise Employees At Every Opportunity
Most employees are used to being criticized by the boss when they do something wrong. In fact, in some cases the ONLY time they hear from the boss is when they do something wrong!
Basically, by constantly making employees aware of their shortcomings, owners are reinforcing negative feelings the employee may have about the company and themselves.
Pretty soon, they EXPECT to screw up.
Certainly, a business cannot function properly if the employees are "walking on egg shells".
On the other hand, if the boss praises the employee when they are doing something "right", the employee begins to feel good about themselves and their job performance.
The boss is cultivating good feelings within the employee that increase self esteem and job satisfaction.
Generally, an employee will then seek out ways to please the boss, to nurture those good feelings.
The key to effective praise is to only provide it when it is deserved, and give the praise INSTANTLY when the good behavior is noticed. Also, be SPECIFIC about the behavior you are praising.
Actually, successful business owners are ALWAYS on the alert to catch employees doing something "right!"
