When talking to business owners one topic that often comes up in conversation is their employees. They will either gush about how fantastic they are or they will vent about how frustrated they are with their team. This frustration could be for a number of different reasons, from not following policies and procedures, to missing deadlines, to bad behaviour.
Let’s just get one thing clear – no one, or I hope no one, has held these business owners down and forced them to hire these employees and to let them run amok in their businesses. The teams and employees we hire and have representing our businesses are completely in our control. If your employees are continuously misbehaving and not following the rules – then it is up to you the business owner to take control and rectify the issue, before it starts damaging your business.
Besides being proactive in your business, here are some other ways you can ensure your teams are functioning at their optimum.
Hire well
It’s not about “bums on seats”. The hiring process is probably one of the most crucial first steps in maintaining a strong team and culture in your business. I have heard many a business owner regret the fact that they didn’t spend enough time on this process, or elicit the help of a professional recruiter. You are recruiting for technical competencies – can they do they work? But, you are also recruiting for their ability to work well with others, to communicate well with their fellow team mates and clients, to take instruction and to add value to the business. One question I like to ask myself when recruiting. “Would I feel comfortable having this person represent my brand?” If the answer is no – then move on.
Train and coach
This is the second essential step on setting your employees up for success. They need to learn your systems, processes and procedures. They may be very highly skilled and specialists in their field, but they still need to understand what your “way” is or your expectations. Providing a clear training period and plan after hiring is crucial. This way, from the beginning you are clarifying expectations. Don’t force your new hires to “wing it”. Most times that will end in disaster.
Give your new employees an opportunity to learn, make a few mistakes, rectify their errors and to grow into their positions. Once they have been trained, ensure that there is continuous coaching, making them feel supported.
The initial training is also not going to be enough – continuous training, up-skilling and personal development will not only benefit the individual team member, but the entire team and your business as a whole.
Communicate
When a business owner complains about an employee I will always ask them these questions:
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“Have you communicated your frustration with this specific employee?”
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“Were they aware of your initial expectations?’
Most of the time, they answer I get back is “no”. Sad.
One of the skills we, as business owners and as leaders, need to perfect if we want to have a healthy team operating in the business, is the art of clear and effective communication. The ability to constantly and consistently communicate with our teams. Giving feedback, giving instructions, giving praise, asking questions, asking for feedback, practising active listening and staying curious.
Basic communication sessions such as daily check-ins, weekly and monthly meetings should be a norm in any business, with the support of additional tools such as email and telephone.
Know your employment law
Proper knowledge of employment law will ensure that you follow the right processes when it comes to effectively managing your team members. One comment that I hear from HR advisors and specialists all too often, is that they feel like the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. The damage has been done and they cannot help to prevent the situation from arising, only just to help mop up the incident as best they can.
Know what you can and cannot do. Equip yourself with the essential knowledge so you can have a healthy, respectful and trusting relationship with your team members from the beginning.
You the business owner are in control of what does and doesn’t happen in your business. The buck stops with you. Take charge, be proactive and you will be amazed at what a wonderful working relationship you will have with your team.
Nicole is a certified professional coach as well as a certified trainer, advanced assessor and coach mentor. Based in Auckland, she provides a range of coaching options, from individual business owner and management coaching, group and team coaching workshops to personal coaching. Her coaching practice is aligned to the ICF ethos and ethics. Need to hire a professional coach? Contact Nicole
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