One of the biggest challenges many of my clients face is having the right people.
Prior to coaching I'd often hear:
"If only I could find the right people my business would much more profitable."
"I'd have less stress."
"I spend more time managing my people than getting the work done and more."
Ben's Story
Ben who runs a plumbing business has 5 staff. He was always complaining that they were lazy, didn't use their initiative and would take advantage of him.
We had Ben fill in our "Productivity and Leadership Profile". This process allows each team member to anonymously answer questions about how they see Ben in many areas including his leadership abilities, communication, organization etc. Ben also answers the same questions on how he sees himself.
It turned out that Ben thought he was a good boss because he was easy to get along with. However, the feedback from his team showed that he wasn't a good leader. The guys needed clear direction... someone to follow. They required a system, guidelines to work within and regular follow-up.
They never had a team meeting to discuss what was working well and how to improve things. The only time a meeting was called was when there was a customer complaint.
The Solutions
Before I share these tips with you, be aware that it is extremely important to hire the right type of people for your business in the first place. Many employers have the 'hire and hope' mentality. After the person has been hired the employer hopes they work out.
1. Regular Performance and Incentive Reviews
Measure your team's achievements on a regular basis. Formally appraise the performance of each individual twice a year. Salary increases, bonuses and incentives should be based on these performance reviews.
2. Weekly Team Meetings
Learn how to run an effective meeting and have these weekly with your team.
Have a set time each week. Ensure the agenda allows for their input.
3. Personal and Professional Development
Invest regularly in their development, both technical and non-technical skills. The new-found knowledge can be extremely valuable to your business. By learning and developing your people, they will also be more motivated.
4. Develop Your Own Leadership Skills
Turn yourself into a Masterful Manager. There are many skills required to be an effective manager ...delegation, organization and communication etc.
5. Getting coached will show you how to be a powerful leader that gets results and maintains a happy, productive and high performing team.
The Final Word
Looking after the people in your business is vital to ensure its ongoing success... whatever 'success' means to you. A happy, skilled and motivated team if managed effectively will have a huge impact on your productivity and profits.
If you're experiencing 'people problems' and want to know you you can attract and retain a high performing team check out How to Become a Masterful Manager.
To continue doing the same thing and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. So if you want to achieve different results, take action today!
To find out more about ways to organize your time, your systems and your marketing so you have a business that is run effectively, much more profitable than it is now and still enjoy time off, get yourself a copy of the proven Productivity and Profit Home Study System.
It's the proven system I've used for years with my personal coaching clients and it will work for you too.
About the Author:
Lorraine Pirihi is the founder of productivityqueen.com and creator of “The Productivity and Profit System” the complete one-on-one training program for solopreneurs and small businesses.
Lorraine is also the celebrated author of “The Productivity and Profit Home Study System” which helps you to easily organize your time, your marketing, your people and your systems so you are much more profitable and have time to enjoy life. This is available at www.productivityqueen.com Online Store.
Lorraine is a productivity expert, leading business coach, author and speaker. She’s known for her practical approach, combining a unique blend of innovative, straight-shooter, no-fluff strategies that really work.
Being in her own business for over a decade she is committed to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs work less, earn more and have a life!
For FREE weekly ‘how-to’ tips to increase your productivity and your profitability visit www.productivityqueen.com/.
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