By Jan Schmidlkofer
Management Services Committee Chair
K&N Electric Motors, Inc.

EASA’s next generation of leaders is as important as our current leaders. In your company, they are frequently one of your unofficial leaders and can set the tone from behind the scenes. Typically, these unofficial leaders are knowledgeable, hardworking and care about what is going to happen to the business, as well as to their futures. These are the gems you don’t want to lose! Your problem? You don’t have a management/leadership opening for them.

Now is the moment to let them know you “see” them, and you respect what they bring to your organization. The EASA Next Gen Network on LinkedIn provides an opportunity to both acknowledge your star employee(s) and present an opportunity for personal and professional growth. The Next Gen Network is a place for growing industry leaders to connect, share ideas and discover solutions together. Nomination is the act of formally choosing a person. This is not a “by the way, as you’re passing in the hallway” conversation but the thoughtful consideration of a person’s attributes and qualifications. This type of recognition often lends credibility to their work and creates an attitude of healthy pride.

Nominate an Employee
How do you nominate a valuable employee? Simply email Marketing & Communications Manager Linda Gladden at lgladden@easa.com. Upon receipt of a member’s nominee, Ms. Gladden will forward a formal nomination letter to your employee. The letter will explain how your employee can join this like-minded group of leaders, a few engagement rules and where your employee can turn if he/she has any questions. It is incumbent on your employee to join the online network once he/she receives the formal nomination letter.

Today is as challenging as it has ever been to develop and maintain skilled employees. Gallup will tell you an engaged employee is a more secure and satisfied employee. The level of employee engagement in your organization plays a profound role in employee retention and overall quality and customer satisfaction. Although people are always looking for a better paycheck, it rarely ranks above recognition for a job well done. Your nomination not only provides that recognition but also opens a whole world of relationships and experiences.

Who will you nominate to the Next Gen Network?