I talk with a lot of people hiring OFS.
I see both success and failure.

A common denominator among the successful ones, and often lacking in those who fail:
Empathy.

Yeah…not the trait you expected.

Successful employers are kind. They show a lot of empathy and care for the people who work for them.

That’s because kindness works.

Here’s an example. I got this email from Elishama after I sent out a newsletter about how caring for family is a strong part of Filipino life.

I fully agree with this and can relate as well. I take care of my 87-year-old sister all day as I work and manage my team of OFS. So when they need time to help a relative with appointments or anything else, I give it without hesitation. They are always offering to make it up. In most cases, I don’t require them to make up the time because I appreciate having loyal OFS that I don’t have to micromanage. So I support them as much as possible with their responsibilities at home, and in turn, they become very loyal team members. I also admire them for how they take care of the elderly and sick.

I just recently had a team member make me aware that his mother was admitted to the hospital and found to have stage 4 cancer. I told him to take all the time he needed and not worry about anything here. I told him he would receive his pay as always. I lost my mother to cancer 2 years ago, so I can relate. I didn’t want him to have the additional stress of worrying about his job. He’s decided to come back to work after 3 days of absence, but I’ve informed him he has the option to take any time off necessary. He’s been with me for more than a year and is one of my most trusted and loyal OFS. So I back him and support him as needed, 100%.

When you show empathy and compassion for the people who work for you, they’re more likely to be loyal. They’re more likely to go above and beyond. They’re more likely to show up on time, despite you not forcing it.

Are there going to be some bad apples? Sure. But with most OFS, when you treat them with respect, pay them well, and show appreciation for their work, they will care for you.

They will take care of you.

When they care for you, they want you to be happy. They want you to succeed. They’ll do whatever it takes to help make that happen.

John