If you are an employer, with a small staff, there may be no better time to assess who you really need working for you, than during these times of bigger and bolder challenges.
Indeed, the expression "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" could not ring more true, than in these tough economic times. This is a time when you simply must surround yourself with the right people who have the right skills.
But how do you know if your people are the right fit for your business?
Often times the employee/employer relationship begins with what seems like a very good match, everyone is on their best behavior and the employee appears willing and able to step up to the plate. This probationary time frame is also often referred to as the honeymoon period. And, like all relationships, time will tell, often when the honeymoon is over.
Over time, you will see how your employees respond to increased or changing needs in the business, will they go the extra mile, do they know how, are you the employer clearly communicating the needs of the organization regularly? The number of resources you have available to you will shape the outcome.
In this article, rather than addressing the technical skill set needed for the job at hand, I want to highlight other circumstances where the employee fit, within the organization, becomes the primary issue. The ability to "fit" could relate to the individual's character or personal views, professional or personal needs from the organization, or how a person measures their own worth or the worth of your business.
As an employer, the sooner you can address this area of the employee's, or potential employee's, strengths or weaknesses, the better you can gauge if they are the right fit. The broader expectations from both the employer and employee are critical to understanding each other.
While large corporations possess more structured and defined roles for people, small business often doesn't. In a small business people will wear several hats and work with those unique challenges that are ever present in a small business environment. Who answers the phone when the receptionist isn't there is one very simple example.
Or is it? Just ask any small business owner the difficulties with this one simple item and how over time it trickles throughout the business and causes absolute mayhem.
It is often the simple things that start the big problems, which, if left unresolved, only multiply. I call it the Menacing Mayhem Multiplier Effect. In my experience it is far from simple.
As an employer, you come to learn who can and who can't and who will and who won't. It is the combination of can't (don't know how) and won't (why should I) attitudes that are part of a person's character that can make or break a small business.
As a result, you may experience high turnover for a time, you may also encounter poor morale and you will very likely be pulling up the slack yourself. But don't despair. When the time is right you will be able to take a close look, wade through the various distractions and be able to assess what is best for your employee and your business.
In the end, it is very likely that both parties agree that the fit is not a good one. This way, both parties can decide to move on and everyone wins.
These are some suggestions for when you decide to assess the right fit, a small business shoehorn so to speak;
-- know the strengths and weaknesses within your business
-- prepare for and adapt to the changing needs that will present themselves, by keeping your business plan up to date
-- use your business plan to share your vision with your employees and decide who will execute on the strategies within your plan that will get you where you want to be
-- work together with your employees to keep them attuned to the changing environment
-- budget for professional development training for your employees and yourself
-- be aware of people's comfort levels, particularly in changing times, so you may assist and coach them when needed
Carol Ann Walker is the executive director of Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD). If you own or are planning a small business, visit http://www.bacd.ca/ to see the programs and services offered to help small businesses start and grow successfully, or call 905-438-4008 ext. 221 and speak to client services to book a one-on-one consultation or free seminar.
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