Labor Day is a Great Time to Rework Your Perspective on “Work”
Labor Day is upon us, and it’s more than just a long weekend. This holiday was designed to celebrate the amazing workforces who help make things run smoothly – but for business owners, it is also a time to reflect on where we can increase efficiencies by having the RIGHT PEOPLE do the right jobs.
When things get hectic – as they do during times of pivoting or growth – it’s common to focus on just getting someone in the seat and hoping they work out. Although Labor Day isn’t the only time you can focus on refining your team, it is a great time to step back and take an honest look at any changes that may need to be made.
Do You Have the Right People in the Right Seats?
Years ago, hiring was largely focused on skill levels and availability. If they had the right experience, the right availability, and agreed to the pay and benefits, great – get them in, right away. If they work out, they work out – and if not, move on to the next person.
This simply isn’t the case anymore. Not only are employees and contractors looking for somewhere they fit and can make a difference, but business owners are looking for the right people – the ones who will truly help to drive your business forward.
Hiring and onboarding systems are a huge part of this, but the evaluation doesn’t stop there. As you grow, your needs will change, but you will also discover more about how each of your team members can thrive.
Do you have team members who are doing a good job, but may do better in another role?
Take this example, you have a very diligent, methodical worker who does great with following procedures, but never innovates and that frustrates you. It may be worth evaluating if this person may thrive in another role, one that may better allow them to work within their zone of genius.
Or conversely, you have someone who is constantly innovating and doing other new tasks and you are frustrated that they don’t just follow the specific things you want them to do. They may need more clarity on the why behind their role – how their work fits into the big picture – or they may need some coaching from someone with more experience.
Building an Effective Team
Situations like these can be a source of frustration, but if you look at them from a different perspective, they can also serve as a sign that it’s time to make some changes.
I often chuckle when someone asks how to avoid hiring a “wild” person. What feels like one person’s “Wild” is another person’s Magician!
Ultimately though, this all goes back to designing a team that makes sense. Prioritize putting right person who has the right traits in the right seat. This may take a little trial and error, but it will help you build an amazing team.
Looking at the Details
It’s important to make sure you have the right people in the right roles, but Labor Day is also a great time to give a fresh look at your team and make sure the right people are doing the right things.
For instance, is the CEO of the company wasting 20 minutes on scheduling? Or are they able to let their EA handle that so they can focus on something else?
Does your production team waste time and energy ordering supplies when an assistant could do that?
When you get each person working within their zone of genius, it takes less time (and payroll) – and frankly, they are happier and work with more precision than when they are interrupted with a dozen other issues.
So this Labor Day, take a few minutes to re-work your team and find ways to delegate to others. Make sure you have the support you need.
An Executive Assistant, for instance, is a great way to get that help and step into a whole new world. Need help? We’ve got you – just contact us to create a plan and put it in action.