A frequent complaint from owners of small-to-medium sized businesses is that good employees are hard to find. It is typically offered in explanation for their first complaint – that the complexity and responsibilities of business ownership are too demanding, and not worth the sacrifice of lifestyle and happiness. As the founder and CEO of ActionCOACH, a global business coaching company, Brad Sugars disagrees with both statements.
“When a business is built and managed effectively, employees that can make a positive contribution are easy to find.,” Sugars said. “Likewise, with productive and accountable employees, business owners are comfortable delegating many of the managerial tasks that overwhelm their day. In short, the two problems are actually the same problem, and aren’t really even a problem for a well-run company. Our Business Coaches work with the owners of mid-sized companies to make those firms self-sufficient. Identifying, recruiting, training, and developing a dedicated workforce is a critical component of that transformation.“
Systems and documented processes are the keys to employee productivity. Build systems into the business. Consider even the most basic tasks, from answering the phone to producing the product, and develop an efficient process for executing each one. Document those processes in clear, easy to understand detail, so that employees are not confused with their assignments. Create checklists if appropriate. With solid systems in place, the company simply employs people to run those systems.
By clearly defining and documenting the employee’s responsibilities, companies can expand the available labor pool from which they select a solid workforce. The recruiting focus turns to the candidate’s talent, attitude, work ethic, and enthusiasm, and less on his/her ability to improvise, create, and make decisions.
The goal is to create synergy between the company and staff. Consider an employee-ownership program to establish commitment and loyalty. When employees are involved in setting the company goals, they are generally more likely to commit to it. If the business owner, instead, dictates her goals to the team, their commitment is much lower. Studies have shown that team members with an ownership stake in the company are much more likely to achieve their expectations.
Finally, be aware of the signals sent to the management team. By sharing the common goal of the company’s success, owners create a management team that can assume many of the management tasks that detract from their more important responsibilities. Alternatively, owners that have a “no one can do it like me” attitude ensure that employees will not develop into competent assistants.
