Through seven careers I have had the privilege of hiring hundreds of people for various and sundry positions. My process is well known among most of them.
Nearly everything I learned about managing people in a work environment came from Captain Kirk of Star Trek (Classic) and Sheriff Andy Taylor from The Andy Griffith Show.
Captain Kirk was the rugged individualist, quick to take charge of a situation, willing to bend rules to achieve a specific objective.
In some respects Sheriff Taylor was similar though more willing to pull the strings of action from behind rather than take the lead publicly.
Many of the skills I have used in various management and executive positions through the years came from Captain Kirk and Sheriff Taylor.
What else?
Often I would tell new hires that I would be looking over their shoulder as they started work. No one likes a job where the boss is always looking for their shoulder, right?
In this case, though, it became clear to employees that I had their best interests in the mix of responsibility, too; that I wanted them to succeed in their job, enjoy their work and contribution, and be given appropriate compensation and commendation for their efforts.
Where did that come from?
Captain Kirk, Sheriff Taylor, and, of course, Jesus. Say what? Yes. Remember the commandments Jesus gave to his followers?
Matthew 22:36-40:
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
The first part of Jesus’ instruction may be more difficult because humans are easily distracted and inherently selfish and self absorbed. The second part is rather simple and straightforward; easily understood, and not difficult to employ.
As to how one should treat people, whether in business or elsewhere in life, The Golden Rule comes to mind:
The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as you want to be treated.
How hard is that?
My experience in life tells me that it pays dividends in performance and loyalty. I only wish I had a do-over for those times when I did not heed my own— or Jesus’— advice.