Minding Your Business: March 2001, Spelling It Out

Having requirements and expectations in writing can be a helpful management tool, since it tends to separate the goal-oriented employees from those who are just showing up for work every day, according to Rantzow. "Some people want to have a place to work with no hassles and that’s the end of it," he described. "Others want to make a career of it." A clear compensation program benefits more motivated employees by demonstrating how performance is tied to wages and gives them incentive to better themselves, Rantzow added. "Those people that want to move forward, take initiative and get educated will be rewarded."

Having this information in writing also alleviates confusion or charges of favoritism. "If an employee is just waiting for an employer to give him a raise, there are a lot of different things that come into play," Rantzow pointed out, noting that formal policies also make him a more accountable manager. "If you put it in writing, you’re not going to change it," he said. "These guidelines put employees in control of how much they’re making."

FOR EXAMPLE ... Here are a few examples of Rantzow’s guidelines, which are broken down into three levels. These let employees know what is expected of them and what they need to do to advance, he described.

• Laborer/Helper ($6.50 - $8.50 an hour)

  Minimum Requirements: Must be willing to work hard. Does not need any previous landscape experience but must have a good work history. Must follow directions well, have a valid drivers’ license and pass a drug test.Continued development: Carry out the tasks he is asked to do. The main objective is to work hard, be to work on time, wear company shirt and find out how each service (e.g. mowing, aeration, etc.) is expected to be carried out.




• Landscaper Level 1 ($8.50 -$11 an hour plus basic medical)

  Minimum Requirements: Has a minimum of six months experience with Selkirk or one year with another commercial landscaping company. Has helped with mowing, pruning, spring or fall cleanup, core aeration, power raking and shrub bed maintenance. Must be able to complete all phases of mowing unsupervised and be able to effectively maneuver truck and trailer. Must know location and procedures for all dumping sites.

  Continued Development: Should take initiative to further own development and initiate opportunities to learn from the people he is working with, from books and other sources. He should be continually refining his skills to become faster and more efficient.




• Landscaper Level 2 ($11 - $14 an hour plus basic medical)

  Minimum Requirements: Has at least two years experience with Selkirk or five years with another commercial landscape company. Must have at least one of the following: pesticide applicator license; arborist or landscape technician certification; or two-year horticultural degree. Must be able to carry out all services on own and effectively manage a laborer; should be able to identify all perennials, shrubs and trees.

  Continued Development: Should continue own education on plants, pesticides, hardware and equipment and set a good example by offering help, training and setting high standards of punctuality and morale.