RESPONSE: To begin with, if you look all around the business world, the realization that you are not the only company in this “club” will become apparent rather quickly. Your question is an excellent one, as who amongst us wouldn’t like to improve cash flow, have happy employees and be known for greatness. Here is my take on a path you might consider;
- Revue your current corporate culture; you can do this by speaking with ALL of your employees either one on one or as a group. Ask them if this is a good, great, or just okay place to work. Ask what you as a business owner could do better to make the culture of your business one that employees WANT to work within the organization. Trust me on this, your employees know the answers and if you approach this with an open mind, listen intently, design a path they approve, your culture will become the best of the best.
- Ask each of your employees what they could personally do to help you improve growth; this might mean taking on additional tasks or doubling up on their role within the company. But if they agree to take on more, set a time line that once you or they reach a certain plateau, you will be in a position to hire additional professionals to carry the load onward. If it is their idea, it means that they take ownership of the success or failure of the new method or process. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t need YOUR support and the support of ALL of the other team members.
- Recruit top level professionals; this doesn’t mean individuals that have been power students and possess several degrees in multiple disciplines. It means individuals who have made a difference, are unique in their approach, are driven to achieve and will fit within your cultural environment. If your success is hiring employees that stay for lengthy tenures hasn’t been the best, I suggest you hire a professional recruiter to assist you. Believe me, they are worth the money.
- Share with your employees your expectations; No business man or woman goes into a project without reviewing the return on his/her investment.
- Share with your employees what needs to be accomplished and then to help insure success, give them a little reward for making it happen. Entrepreneurs, who don’t share profits, typically don’t remain entrepreneurs for long. Once the greed factor sets in, recovery through credibility wanes at break neck speed and employees don’t forget.
Regards,
George F. Mancuso, CPC
President
Client Growth Consultants, Inc.
