What? Too obvious? Certainly managers are necessary, yet in my experience, I have seen too many small businesses fall into one of the following categories:
a) The “I can do it” mentality
b) The “I hired a manager” but without a job description mentality
c) The “I hired a manager with a job description” but neglect to train, give feedback and hold accountable mentality.
Without clear organizational structure, without hiring managers with clear job descriptions and responsibilities, without training and feedback, most small business owners will spend their days working IN their business, rather than working on GROWING their business. Let’s break down the thought process and the pitfalls of each category. (I will leave the Human Resource (HR) discussion aside for now, as we’ll get into the quicksand of troubles for the small business as it relates to employees in the future). For now, let’s focus on the emotional reasoning:
a) The “I can do it” mentality - This is a very common thought process for the entrepreneur - it also leads to the most frustrated entrepreneur. “I know it will get done right if I do it myself”. Not true. “I know it will get done right if I HIRE a qualified candidate” is the mental shift that needs attention. If you are spending your days answering the phone, taking out the trash and dealing with vendors, chances are you are not spending your time speaking with your customers, analyzing marketing (or creating one!) plans or going through your financials to determine your profitability - where and how you are going to grow.
b) The “I hired a manager” but without a job description - Great! You’ve got a leg up on entrepreneur A, alas, unless you’ve given the manager a clear understanding of their job and responsibilities, in the long run, you will be as frustrated as entrepreneur A. Writing a job description doesn’t need to be a daunting task, with no need to recreate the wheel. Basic and elaborate outlines of job descriptions can be found all over the web, and with a tailoring to your business, a job description can be developed without too much agony.
c) The “I hired a manager with a job description” but have neglected to train, give feedback and hold accountable. So you’ve hired and given the manager, in writing, a clear picture of their position…now… now.. please don’t walk away! If you are determined to grow and develop your business, you must be committed to your managers, and understand that training, feedback and accountability are all part of YOUR job description, as a business owner. Without adequate training, the manager will stumble and inevitably make mistakes. Train them to do the tasks you initially thought could only be done right if done by you. Give your managers feedback - constructive and with encouragement. Give them the attention they deserve, after all, you’ve hired them to be on your front line in your absence. Hold them accountable. Holding your managers accountable to their job descriptions will alleviate any stress - and conversely- make your business day much more pleasurable - if everyone knows there are consequences for mistakes, and rewards for jobs well done.
To manage or not to manage? The answer is obvious, but the commitment to your hire, job description, training, feedback and accountability will be key to your ability to step back and focus on GROWING your business, not working IN your business.
