Managing from a distance: People & Companies

One of the great things about operating a machine shop is the potential to succeed and thrive, whether the shop is small, midsize or large. You certainly don’t have to be big to be profitable.

Machine shops are often small businesses where employees personally interact with owners and managers. Many shops are family-owned, with employee relationships being more intimate than at larger companies. This presents unique challenges for shop managers, including how to maintain good relationships with employees, earn their respect and show concern for their well-being. At the same time, managers must not allow themselves to become too involved with employees’ personal lives. They should remain objective and manage from a safe distance. That balancing act between professional and personal can be difficult.

At our shop, 12 employees have been with us for at least 10 years. These workers are almost like extended family. Managing a smaller shop requires balancing family-like relationships in a fair, unbiased manner. This is not an easy job, and it’s important to show respect and even empathy for employees’ personal difficulties. However, establishing boundaries is essential to ensure that employee relationships remain appropriate and aboveboard.

Prior to his retirement from managing our shop, my dad employed people he knew personally outside work—or at least he tried. He was an involved, pushy boss, but he also was generous and gave a shot to people when others wouldn’t. This benefited the company at times, though not always.