For the remainder of the month I’ll be sharing a series on commitments for 2013. I know, everyone is talking about goal setting and plans but these are overarching lessons which, if you embrace, will strengthen those goals in the next year.
There have been many times in my business when I stubbornly insisted, like a spoiled 4 year old, I can do it myself. And while I’ve sometimes been correct it almost always takes more time, energy and money than if I had asked for and accepted support. Let’s face it, we’re not good at everything a business requires and if you try to be then you might find yourself a “jack of all trades, master of none.”
As we look to get help it can be a minefield of mistakes. Hiring the wrong person, spending too much money, giving the wrong assignments, assuming someone is skilled, not giving deadlines, waiting too long to fire… the opportunities for mistakes are plentiful.
But that doesn’t mean we don’t act because even when you make mistakes the entire process is a learning experience which can only be learned by doing.
Think of hiring like swimming; you can’t learn it from a book.
So what is the commitment I suggest you make in 2013 around your team? There are actually 4:
1) Understand and accept the type of support you need. It won’t help you to try to duplicate anyone else’s team. Your business is unique and so must your team be. It’s okay if you need in-person help when everyone else is hiring virtually or that you need someone in North America when all your colleagues are hiring from the Philippines. Most of all, know that it’s okay to make these rules different for each position you need filled.
2) It’s okay if you need 1 hour a month or 100. Just be honest about the time commitment you’re looking for and notify your team when and if that changes.
3) Accept that you might need to change the team as your business grows. What works for a beginning business doesn’t always work for a mature one. Instead of fighting it, learn from this experience and transition your team to the one that serves you now. If you’re having trouble accepting this, read the post How the Lord of the Rings is ruining your business for more perspective.
4) Commit to open communication. This is the cornerstone of a strong team and good relationships and has to be present from day 1. It’s why I begin the 5 Days Hiring Series with an assignment to get you clear on the support you need. Share openly what you need from your team, when you need it and, when appropriate, the vision behind your business. Even when things go wrong you have to communicate why trust was broken and what your team can do to repair it.
When it comes to building the team that will support you and your business, it’s easy to get caught up in the fears and doubts, asking yourself “can I afford it?” or “what if I have to fire someone?”
Instead of letting those thoughts hold you back, commit yourself to hiring the best help available for the myriad of things in your business that you don’t enjoy or do well. And if you don’t have my free video system on hiring, download it today and start building the team of your dreams for 2013. Sign up below.
Stay tuned for bi-weekly posts for the rest of the year covering other commitments!
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