These days it’s common for workers to be extremely specialized in a subject which you, the boss, know little about. So how do you handle those workers and keep them at their best? That can be a tricky situation.

Here are a few tips on how to work with knowledgeable workers from the Harvard Business Review:

1. Workers take the cue from you. If you are passionate about what you are doing, there’s a good chance you will ‘infect’ your workers with your enthusiasm. It’s a win-win situation.

2. Look beyond your immediate needs. If you have  good and ambitious workers, you should help them get more knowledgeable in their field by taking time to learn new things and participate in courses. Think of skills you might need in the future. Stir your loyal workers in that direction.

3. If you hire workers to do a certain job, make sure they does what they are hired to do. Don’t waste their time by giving them other jobs because it looks like they have free time: this may lead to discord and frustration. You need your workers to be happy and producing, not miserable because they are ‘wasting their time’ doing things they were not hired to do.

4. Encourage your workers to build a network of business acquaintances inside and outside the company. Professional networks allow workers to increase their knowledge and it may help your business with contacts.

5. Allow workers to make suggestions on their own. If they are enthusiastic about a certain aspect of the business, let them show you how their ideas can help grow your business. After all, this is what you want, isn’t it?

6. Create a work atmosphere that will allow your expert workers to come to you with ideas without ridiculing them. You might not like today’s idea, but tomorrow’s might revamp your business and make it more profitable.

7. When you implemented an idea your worker had, and it made your company grow, reward the worker for his contribution. This way he’ll feel part of the company and will be encouraged to innovate.

Hard working and talented employees are not easy to come by. Encourage them, ask questions, and let them be the experts in their field. Appreciate the work that goes into what they do and create a work atmosphere that enables them to come to you with ideas. If you cut them short, their best ideas might go someplace else, like to your competitor, who may have the time to listen to them.

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