I get to work with many business owners each year, and while I help them out in a variety of different ways, my overriding goal is always the same: to help each client turn their business into a system that runs smoothly with or without them. As I sometimes tell them… “I want you to be able to take that loooong vacation you’ve been putting off for so many years!”
And one of the keys to creating such a business is the employees. The right team of employees, properly trained and coached, will give your business stability and consistency and will keep it running smoothly whether you’re in the building or not. On the other hand, sub-par employees require constant supervision on the part of the business owner.
The difference is night-and-day… and the caliber and training of the employees is often the single biggest factor in the success (or lack thereof) of a business.
Given all of this… it only makes sense that one of your most important tasks as a business owner is to invest into the growth and the training of your employees. Below are four practical steps you can take:
1) Set clear standards. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many business owners don’t take the time to set clear performance standards. You can’t expect your employees to intuitively know what you’d like to see out of them—you have to communicate it. This includes everything from general standards such as showing up on time, dressing appropriately, etc, all the way to specific performance requirements such as following your script while making a sales call. Make your expectations crystal clear!
2) Offer feedback on a regular basis. Too many businesses, large and small, offer feedback to employees once or twice per year – often while determining whether or not to award a raise. Feedback should be frequent and ongoing, because that is how you help individuals grow. Offer praise when an employee does something well. Offer pointers when there’s an area which needs improvement. (Remember the old adage… criticize in private, praise in public!)
3) Create opportunities for growth. If you want to see your employees grow, you need to provide them with opportunities. Increase responsibility is a great way to do this. If the employee responds well, continue to offer further autonomy and responsibility. It’s important to consistently provide feedback and guidance as needed—but when an employee shows growth and initiative, reward it!
4) Invest into your employees as people and professionals as well. Your employees aren’t just employees—they’re people. They’re people with families, friends, challenges, problems, and dreams. Invest into them as people, not just employees. Give them career and personal advice when appropriate. Help them think through problems. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it also creates loyalty and builds rapport. I’ve never met a business owner who told me “I wish I hadn’t spent so much time investing into my employees.” I’ve heard plenty say the opposite.
Your employees are the key to the success of your business – so invest into them! Please get in touch with me today if you’d like to learn more.