Finding good employees is not near as hard as it is to keep them once you attain them. Communications is the very key needed to find and keep these individuals. I speak from experience when I say this.

Most recently I have given my all to a company, I am by all accounts a very good worker and employee. However when I asked to be placed in another position (for many reasons), but mostly to advance and learn something new, I met with opposition in one form or another from other supervisors who did not want to let's say "compete", I have experience in many areas and being it is a rather new business, thought I may be able to work through the ranks. At any rate, after going through the proper chain of command and six months into false promises and misleading information, I put in my notice. When the higher supervisors learned of this they asked me why and I told them. Seems there was much miscommunication going on through out the whole thing. One of them suggested that I see the owner and explain things to him and maybe ask to retrieve my resignation and try again. This I did as he always said he had an open door policy. Well, the open door closed rather quickly this day. I approached him after making an appointment. He looked at me, and said "you've put in your notice?" I replied yes, and he stated "I would leave it at that". And then he promptly turned his back on me.

At this point I am thinking, So this is my worth? Eleven words? Wow, that makes me want to stay. If ever I thought the company was ran in this manner, I would have never even put my name in there. But I did, Lesson learned. I will find another position, and this time it will be to my benefit. You can find a good worker, but again, how do you define that?.
Is it someone that shows up each day and punches the clock on time? Or is it the one like myself, who is usually the first one there and the last one to leave? Always does what is expected and then some? Most companies do not even recognize those few of us that remain. That's why you have a hard time finding us, and in this case keeping us.

If you hire someone you have undoubtedly checked their references and know that they are going to work out in most cases. Once you find them, you better hang on to them and if there are problems, work with them to resolve them. They are worth it and I am sure your business is too!
In essence, if you are looking for a body you can find them, if you are looking for a great employee, ask them some questions on interview, such as "Where do you see the company in 5 years?" "Where do you want to be in 5 years" Ask other questions, about their career goals. See how much positive feed back you get. Most of us that are considered good workers are usually told that we have a very positive attitude. With this in mind, good hunting!

Learn more about this author, Mary Snyder.
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