My employees are still more loyal to my late father.
My father died unexpectedly in November which forced me to take over his small business on very short notice. My father was never very good at hiring qualified people and tended to just hire whoever he thought 'needed' the job the most. Because of this, all of the employees were extremely loyal to my father, which was great for him, but not so much for me, who they have little respect for (the 'young' guy). How can I gain their respect without trying to 'be' my father or threatening to fire them? This isn't my first leadership role, but it's definitely my most challenging.
Your major focus is productivity, remember incentives to increase productivity also helps, a business bottom line is to make money if they're making money you keep them if they're not you feel the need to keep them add programs or use existing programs to motivate
Okay, has the company been legally turned over to you, do you have a board, lawyers and persons who are willing to support, and move things forward. Consider all things, and information.
I would not make any changes right away - you and the employees are still grieving the loss of your father. It is possible that they have not been able to do their "best" work for you until they get past the grief. it has only been three months and the full impact of YOUR gried has not been felt.
Christian, In order to get respect, we must give respect. The next thing is to sit down and call a meeting with your employees and set some ground rules without coming off as being over bearing or rude. Ask your employees if anything is bothering them and if it is,ask them to discuss it in a professional manner. After you've had your meeting ask them if there is anything you can do to improve your working relationship with them. I would then politely advise them that you don't feel like you're getting the respect you deserve. Also advise them that since you are respectful towards them that you expect the same courtesy in return. If this doesn't work then for those that still continue to be disrespectful, show them the other side of the door.
You need to have a meeting with all your employees and let them know your expectation. Let them know that your leadership style is different than your father. You may want to serve donut and coffee at the meeting and explain your ground rules in a pleasant manner. You will want your employees to know that you are their for them however, you want them to report to work on time and do their job. If you still have problems after the meeting, just keep in mind that their are people who are out of work and will be glad to take their jobs. Also, keep an out communication with your employee. If your treat your employee nice, they will treat you nice.
Respect and loyalty must be earned. It will take a little time and tons of hard work but will pay off. They look at you like a kid because that's what they have seen. Your father is gone, which is a shame, but at the same time he instilled much of himself in you except you haven't made it yours. Be different but be yourself. Own the best your father taught you and then add to it, modernize it and show the "old folks" you can not only be loyal to them but better for the business. Make it YOURS but bring them into your world. Ask opinions, directions on specifics, and get their input. Then, make suggestions to make it better than before. It will show you have the confidence in them, the business and the foresight to take their ownership and your business to the next level.
Meet with them. Be up front. Tell them that you will be evaluating their performance over the next 60 days to determine if any changes need to be made. Thank them for their loyalty to your father and ask for their loyalty to you during this transition. Tell them you have an open door and if there are any questions or concerns they can come to you but make sure they know that they must meet performance standards to continue.
You need to have a meeting and use it to talk about your late father, and why he started the company, what it meant to him, and now what it means to you, and what you see in the future . Do this in a manor of being humble, and talk about what each of their strengths in the positions they currently hold. In addition. you must use this meeting as a spring board to set expectations moving forward, to include reevaluation of each person in their current role, where you are as an organization currently and the direction it will be going in the future. Make sure your presentation, is just that a presentation with hard copies for all to see. After you have completed this step, and they are still giving you a hard time you have the ability to take action, as an owner and a boss. Hope this helps!
Perhaps they were extremely loyal to him because he gave them a job when they needed it and it sounds like you are judging them by a different standard. I think you need to recognize that anyone can do a job, but few walk in to a group of loyal employees. Perhaps have a company meeting to honor your father. Ask people to tell stories about him so you will see what they loved. I'm sure many are afraid you do nor respect their loyaty and that you want to replaced them with people more like you than your father. Fearful employees never produce. Celebrate loyalty. Celebrate longevity. Celebrate what your workforces values and then introduce new ways...and they will follow.
I don't know how you determine if someone is qualified for a job, especially if you've had to take over on such short notice. I'm guessing the employees are probably loyal and grateful to your father because he saw they had potential, and gave them an opportunity to work.