Let's Talk Back in April, Taipan’s very own Dream Manager, Tianah Ede, wrote a compelling article on the Dream Manager concept and what it means to work in such a unique role at Taipan. If you haven’t had the chance to read it, click here.
This month, we thought we would take it one step further and head to the Managing Director’s office to see why he would spend an entire salary on such an out-of-the-box concept.
Natalie: Hi Allan. Tell me, why a Dream Manager?
Allan: Good question, Nat. In my opinion, we are all just kids trapped in an adult’s body. But as we grow, we are bombarded and worn down to fit into a mould that sees us forgetting how to dream. We are extremely lucky in Australia, there are massive opportunities available to everyone to develop and live extraordinary lives.
Natalie: Very true.
Allan: But as we get older, a lot of people settle into a way of doing things and don’t think any bigger than that. When that happens, it’s easy to forget how to dream outside of what you already have.
Natalie: Okay. I understand the concept, but isn’t ‘managing’ the dreams of your team a little extreme?
Allan: For me, Nat, it’s just the first place to begin.
Natalie: In what way?
Allan: Just imagine if your employee came to you and said they were struggling with creating a budget and paying their bills on time. What if you took the time to sit with them and help them understand their budget? Give them some tips and tricks or advice specific to them?
Natalie: That would definitely be helpful.
Allan: Over time, that kind of help and support can grow into not only them paying their bills but something like a monthly savings plan for an overseas holiday, owning their own home or developing a career. How cool would that be!
Natalie: Okay, I’m beginning to understand the value for the employee, but how does something like that benefit the company? Isn’t it just additional costs?
Allan: That’s what a lot of people struggle to look past. I try to look at things in a slightly different light.
Natalie: In what way?
Allan: To be honest, once you begin helping them, your employee is not the one getting the most benefit from the experience. Tell me this – what is the eventual cost if you don’t take the time to help your employees?
Natalie: I’m not sure.
Allan: Imagine the disengagement of an employee who is incredibly stressed about where they will get the money to pay their bills or struggling with something else. My guess is they will not be functioning to the best of their abilities in their role. They might be making mistakes, taking extra sick days, or they may even leave altogether.
Natalie: That is true.
Allan: Imagine if you could keep a person for four years instead of four months. Imagine how much more respect they would have for you as a boss if you took that time for them. It may seem like a cost at first, but just think about the cost of re-hiring and re-training someone to take their position because they felt their only option was to leave. Think about the cost to you when your customers must relive the entire process of being patient, while yet another new person gains the knowledge to service those customers effectively.
Natalie: It starts to add up.
Allan: It sure does. If we can take the time right from the very start to ensure our staff are as happy as possible, not just in their positions but in their lives, that’s only ever going to benefit us in the long run.
Natalie: That’s a great way to think about it. Can I ask one last question?
Allan: Sure.
Natalie: If you had one piece of wisdom for our customers, what would it be?
Allan: Your employees truly ARE your very best customer. They bring in your entire turnover. If they are not happy, chances are nobody else who comes into contact with your business ever will be.
Natalie: Thank you so much for your time, Allan.
Allan: Anytime.
If you would like any more information on our Dream Manager program, please reach out to Allan or Tianah on 07 5428 1211 and they would be happy to answer any questions or provide advice.
