Our local paper discussing racism in public school quoted a source saying: “If students understand that ‘This teacher has my best interests at heart, this teacher believes in me, and gives me the benefit of the doubt, and if I fail, the teacher will bring me up to speed, and if I’m out, the teacher will miss me,’ they will feel challenged.”

Makes it sound pretty simple, doesn’t it.

Almost as simple as good management.

Do you believe in your employees? Do you help your employees succeed? Is your relationship with them a win-win deal? Do you give them the benefit of the doubt? Help them improve?

But managers have an advantage over teachers. Managers get to choose their employees. If an employee proves to be unworthy of the trust and support, you can help him find a better fit. In the meantime, help your employees succeed.