According to noted author Pamela Thompson, in most industries, if an employee quits suddenly, there's a 20 percent chance that their replacement will have to be what she terms a "workplace enigma":
In other words, a teenager.
Yes, while most shop operators would love to assemble as experienced of a staff as reasonably possible, inexperienced hires occasionally must be made. But that fact certainly doesn't have to bring a shop's productivity to a standstill, Thompson says.
"To the surprise of body shop owners," Thompson says, "teens can be domesticated, educated, motivated, and assimilated into a successful business. ... The much-misunderstood teenage emloyee can actually become an asset to the manager."
Thompson, a recruiter, career coach, and writer, based in Meridian, Idaho, shares how an owner or boss can make the most out of their teenage employees.
- Set clear expectations and attainable goals.
- Take time to coach and train the employees.
- Be a positive role model and communicate in a clear, caring and respectful way.
- Listen to their concerns.
- When an employee is doing well, remember to say, "You're doing a good job, and I want you to know that."
