According to employee feedback from Seek, most of our major radio networks are pretty good people to work for. 

 
Yet sometimes it’s easy to feel as if you’re just a commodity – another cog in the wheel or a chip in the mother board – a part to be discarded and replaced when the next upgrade becomes available.
 
Of course, no one is indispensable – except that in radio, some people are less dispensable than others. High rating talent that has established a strong bond with listeners is almost impossible to replace in the short term. Even a great CEO is easier to replace than great talent, according to Radio Hall of Fame inductee, Graham Mott.
 
Mr Mott has been a “boss” for most of his 49 years in the industry, first as a Program Director, then General Manager and as a CEO, believes employers rarely see people as mere commodities, “I think smart, high achieving bosses know the value of good people.  The exceptional bosses know the value of good people right through the company.”
 
Does loyalty count?
 
“If loyalty is to work it must come from both sides,”says Mr Mott.  “Staff notice when their boss or company shows loyalty and because of this they are more likely to feel loyal to their employer. However, there are occasions when the best person to fill a vacancy comes from outside the company. This situation can be a setback regarding how staff feel about loyalty, so the decision needs to be clearly explained as to why the person was appointed and why a certain candidate missed out.  This can be a very tricky situation, but for the good of the company the best person must get the job.”
 
If you want to get ahead, you need to ensure you’re noticed by your boss.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts:
 

• Be reliable, trustworthy, honest. 
• Work hard and take on extra work when it’s busy.  
• Have a ‘can-do’ attitude and be a glass half-full person – never a glass half-empty person.  
• Identify problems and make constructive suggestions to fix them.  
• Don’t dwell on a problem – use your time and energy on the solution.  
• Find a way to get along with difficult people – not an easy task at times but give it a go. 
• Give praise to those around you for work well done and/or for extra hours put in.

 
Tomorrow, we list the Do’s and Don’ts of wage negotiations.