Last time we talked about the first of 3 consistent mistakes that business owners, managers or leaders often make - the lack of a clear business plan. Realizing these mistakes and making the necessary corrections should enable any business owner, manager or leader to gain a larger positive return for their enterprise.

Mistake #2:  Inadequate staffing and development. 

In virtually every business, the single highest expense area centers on people.  Keeping those costs under control demands great effort and constant attention. More often than not business owners, managers and leaders have to reach a point of critical demise before they address staffing needs. While intentions are perhaps initially good, too often negative outcomes occur when a business operation attempts to function understaffed. Customers, current employees and their stress levels or ability to adequately perform, product sales and overall service suffers as a result of this action. That penny saved will not necessarily be a wise penny earned.  

Part of this issue is traceable to the lack of on-going recruitment which should be a constant for any viable business or department, whether or not positions are readily open. Having a pool of potential candidates available to interview when position vacancies occur keeps the owner, manager and executive in the forefront on business stability. Further, having a “lunch and learn” process of development or training will only add to further frustration. Every business should have a formalized process of developing people not only entering their employment but also while employed. Whether it is dealing with administrative needs, customer service, sales or simply answering the telephone, continually developing people will only add to the expertise of the business. Well trained and professional people cause a business to become a preferred provider. Customers recognize this due to the expertise and the consistency of operations. Having adequate staff and having that staff properly developed will allow the business to perform with a “super bowl” mindset not an “empty bowl” mindset.

Next time we will look into Mistake #3.