Gallup Management Journal explores what it takes to get top quality employees in today's tight market and it turns out that a good manager is better than more money! "Job seekers are slightly more likely to say that a quality manager (56%) or quality management (55%) is extremely important when looking for a job than they are to say the same about compensation."

http://gmj.gallup.com/content/103114/Job-Seekers-Ask-Whos-Boss.aspx

I was persuaded to take a job once by someone who promised me he'd be, "the best boss I ever had." And he was (so far.)

Especially with the next generation of workers, who value relationships and their own development more than putting in the time for the paycheck, "nearly half of job seekers say the opportunity to learn and grow, the opportunity for advancement, and earning promotions based on merit are extremely important when looking for a job."

And feedback about performance is especially important to workers, especially the ones who have the most potential to excel at your company. People who like to know thy are doing well are the ones who put in the effort to actually do well. Gallup notes, "employees are more likely to be engaged in their jobs if someone at work encourages their development, if someone talks with them about their progress, and if they have had opportunities in the past year at work to learn and grow."

Finally, the sense of purpose and commitment that comes from working with others and contributing to a greater goal encourages workers, and therefore company, success. "Similarly, more than 4 in 10 job seekers say the quality of their coworkers and a great work team are extremely important when applying for a job."

So focus on promoting to management people who are good managers, who can tell what motivates others, who aren't afraid to give feedback -- both praise and guidance -- and who focus on the fairness of merit based rewards.

Help for Managers of Non-Profits/Business Development Service Organizations

California Resources and Training -- CARAT -- is a non-profit organization designed to increase the effectiveness of business development organizations and support non-profit management expertise to increase service capacity through better management, increased funding and volunteer enhancement. http://www.caratnet.org/about.htm I work with many non-profit and service organizations --as well a a huge number of volunteer broad members of such organizations -- that are filled with people of great mind and heart for service without much support for the technical expertise of organizational development and strategic management of resources. CARAT provides training for non-profits, often Chambers of Commerce in management and resource development.

As part of CARAT's offerings, check out, The Free Nonprofit Micro-eMBA(SM): www.managementhelp.org/np_progs/org_dev.htm

This is Management Library's Free, Online Nonprofit Organization and Management Development Program. (Among many resources for management advice and support.)

Who Can Benefit From Program?

Nonprofit executives and board members seeking guidance to start a nonprofit or to firm up the foundation of an already established nonprofit. (And, from the lawyer's point of view...some protection against claims of Board mismanagement!)

Nonprofit service consultants and volunteers who desire understanding of nonprofit organizations, their systems and practices, in order to provide more effective community service.

Highly motivated learners who:- Have limited time and money- Prefer to schedule and locate their own learning experiences- Prefer highly practical results from programs.

Developed by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC. Copyright 1997-2007.Much of this program is based on materials adapted from the Nonprofit Capacity Building Toolkit(SM)and Field Guide to Consulting and Organizational Development.