Bottom Line

People management is the most critical management task that an owner and manager must undertake. Key to that is making the right people decisions, for those decisions reveal whether management is competent, has appropriate values, and takes its job seriously. And those decisions are visible to the staff and send a really clear message.

Debra Thompson is president of TG & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in human resources for the graphics industry. Contact her at 877-842-7762 or debra@tgassociates.com. Thomas International has published a study which defines what it takes to be a successful outside salesperson. Contact Bill Greif at billg@tgassociates.com if you would like a copy of the study.