After spending time with many associations over the years where I get to speak directly to many CEOs, Presidents, CFOs and Owners it has become evident my topic hits a nerve. The lesson is all about empowering the employees of their companies by training and following written policies and procedures, especially when it came to accounts receivables.

The training lesson targets all of upper management, including owners, and its primary “end result” message is – train your staff to do their jobs and get out of their way. When it comes to accounts receivable management, the message implies all of the owners, presidents, CEOs, etc. tend to make exceptions when it comes to accounts receivable and their delinquency. It also asserts these exceptions deteriorate the credibility of those employees responsible to solve these problems. The message has always been “STOP IT.”

In basic terms – exceptions to any written policy hurts the integrity of the company and the credibility of each and every employee.

Conversely, adherence to each policy from the TOP DOWN, fore arms each employee with the knowledge of exactly how everything will be managed – no exceptions. This compliance from “all” gives empowers each employee giving them a sense of decision making, pride in the company they represent and knowledge their decision will be upheld by their management.

This is a basic yet critical point and I have been pleasantly surprised by many members who show awareness of this fact. We know exceptions will be made, but, in the end, if your intent is to have a solid growing company with employees who take pride in their work – train them, empower them and let them do their jobs. I know you will be pleasantly surprised as the morale of your company rises to new heights.

Happy Hunting!!

David “Doc” Van Newkirk
Director
JSD Management Inc.