There are only a few vertebrae of difference between a "Pat on the Back" and a "Kick in the Butt."
As I conduct Certification training, one issue that accounts payable professionals continually share with me is their frustration of how their contributions go unrecognized and unrewarded by management. In many cases, accounts payable personnel are the lowest paid group within financial organizations. A/P is also way down on the priority list of organizations' capital funding.
During Certification review sessions, I tell A/P professionals that Sarbanes-Oxley is our friend. Executive management must attest to the reasonableness of the financial results, with cash flow being a major consideration. As one of the few organizations responsible for disbursing cash, A/P is beginning to be viewed much differently today. Unfortunately it took an act of congress to change the perception of the critical role of A/P in the financial process.
Capital funding is critical for A/P to be able to keep abreast of what is a rapidly changing environment. However the number one requirement is to have satisfied employees. The success of your A/P organization is directly related to having satisfied and motivated A/P professionals.
One key employee need is to be appreciated and respected for their contributions to the success of the organization. There are many different approaches to recognition. One simple and effective way could be a "Pat on the Back" and a thank you.
A recognition approach that has been extremely effective is the Accounts Payable Certification Program. A/P professionals, managers and overall departments can be certified with the appropriate designation reflected after their name when certified.
I have seen A/P departments give their employees a bonus when their organization received Departmental Certification. The overall workplace environment is very important for people to be comfortable.
Two ways managers can improve the workplace environment are to:
- Be Visible and Communicate
It is difficult to judge the health of your organization by sitting behind your desk all day with your office door closed. - Lighten Up
You can’t do the work. Your role should be to make the work environment into a fun place for your employees. I always remember Walt Disney's vision statement, "You can design and create the most beautiful place in the world, but it takes people to make it happen."
Remember, people are the most value-producing asset an organization has, and no asset has value until human intervention is applied.
Tom Nichols, president of Process Management Improvement, Inc., provides research, AP process improvement consulting, training and seminars to large companies and financial associations. Email Tom Nichols
