The presentation by Flower Clique’s Vonda LaFever, AIFD, PFCI, (left) and Lori Wilson (right) will detail the most common areas of miscommunication between employer and employees, and how to articulate expectations and break down misunderstandings.
Wish you could read your employees’ minds, and that they could read yours, too?
From new hires to veterans, employees need to know what is expected of them and if they are meeting those expectations. Having those types of conversations can be difficult for some businesses owners — but they are the key to effective staff communication. A breakdown in that communication loop can lead to turnover and dissatisfied customers.
Vonda LaFever, AIFD, PFCI, and Lori Wilson, of the business solutions company Flower Clique, will share strategies to improve employer-employee communications during their presentation, “If I Could Read Their Mind” at SAF’s 1-Day Profit Blast in Albany, New York on March 22.
The presentation will detail the most common areas of miscommunication and how to articulate expectations and break down misunderstandings.
No matter what a new employee is hired to do, from answering the phone to designing floral arrangements, Wilson says workers need guidance and instructions to feel comfortable in the job.
“The frustration is that when they do get new employees, the owner is so maxed out, they don’t have time to onboard that person and train well,” she says. “If you can’t set them up for success, you are actually setting them up to fail.”
A business may encounter unnecessary problems when there is a breakdown in communication, says Wilson.
“If the communication isn’t clear and healthy in your store, how can you expect your employees to have good, direct communication with your customers?” Wilson asked. “It filters down into every aspect of your company.”
To avoid that, Wilson and LaFever will offer practical tips on topics from mentoring to motivating employees.
For instance, when a new employee shows promise, the shop owner should consider it an investment to assign a mentor to develop that person’s potential, Wilson says.
“You have to flip your mindset,” she says. “It’s worth your time and effort and money to assign a mentor so don’t get frustrated and they do have an answer when they have a question.”
A well-trained staff can help sales, Wilson says. Modeling good communication skills for employees may better equip them to have positive interactions with customers.
“Talk less, smile more,” Wilson advises. “Listen and ask leading questions.”
The event, underwritten by Bill Doran Company, also features networking opportunities, time to visit a supplier showcase with nearly 20 exhibitors, and two other educational sessions:
- Floral designer and business owner Tim Farrell, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, will inspire creativity with fresh takes on floral arranging for designers of all skill levels. He will also talk about how shop owners can have honest conversations with employees about compensation and expectations.
- Renato Sogueco, AAF, PFCI, vice president of digital technology for Floriology, will help floral marketers grow their business through their online presence. His presentation will include tips to maximize search engine optimization and how to improve a website’s ranking and mobile viewing.
Register now for SAF’s 1-Day Profit Blast.
Nona Nelson is a contributing writer for the Society of American Florists.
