Second Fiddle

I recently read an article entitled “Second Fiddle.” It referred to a comment by Leonard Bernstein, conductor of the NY Philharmonic. Maestro Bernstein said: “Everyone wants to play first chair. Nobody wants to play second fiddle.”

Utilizing your employees is a topic that I often write about. So here is my view on getting the best from each member of your team, the second fiddles.

I have always preached that your employees all provide a link in the chain that leads to success. When I ran my company, I had coffee every Monday morning with my key personnel. This was where we discussed the coming week, planned activities and reviewed the previous work completed.

It became very clear to me that my team knew more about each of their spheres of responsibility than I did. That is a major plus for any company. I was able to reward them for their participation with well-earned salary increases and bonuses.

My operations manager (the No. 2 man) and I held a monthly meeting with all of our staff. We allowed them free rein to express any opinions and ideas, and they did. A good manager will be able to develop a rapport that will invariably help create a more efficient operation.

We rewarded our employees who gave us excellent suggestions with a gift certificate or dinner for two at a popular local establishment. I can only report that this turned into a friendly competition and fostered an esprit de corps that really worked.

So please, never look down at the “second fiddles” on your team, because they are all-important in your operations. Recognize just how valuable every employee is, including the drivers and the person who sweeps up every night.

Every member of your staff contributes to your success. They are not the second fiddlers, they are the orchestra.

Recognizing Opportunity

I received a call recently from one of HomeCare magazine's readers. He commented that I always write about opportunities and he asked me: “How do I know when I find something that is an opportunity?”

What an excellent question! I was at a loss for words to answer, but as I mulled over his query, I realized the answer was in his question. One does not “find” opportunities; one makes opportunities. As entrepreneurs, home care providers all appear to be able to develop these.

We discussed the various disciplines his company offers its clients: respiratory therapy, diabetics, rentals and many other services. As he told me what his company does and I asked how they do it, I wrote his answers.