How to Lead Effectively in a Dynamic Environment
By James Pruitt, Senior Staff Writer
1) Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: Always Provide Clear Direction:
Employees should know enough to work independently to achieve the company’s goals. Management should have established procedures, routines, and policies so that the workers have a working understanding of their priorities. Interviewers should have some idea of a typical workday, even from the onset of the hiring process.
– Always stay up-front about changing goals and directions.
– Continue to provide praise for a job well done.
– Utilize multiple platforms, including but not limited to email, Zoom, GoogleDocs, and Skype.
2) Recognize the Importance of Morale:
Keeping employees in high spirits minimizes turnover and keeps the workplace alert in the face of new challenges. The environment itself should remind staff that the architects of the business care about their comfort and well-being. A sense of community can foster teamwork and cooperation.
– Celebrate the Small Wins
-Build Confidence in Job Security
-Re-work the company’s goals to fit circumstances. In other words, stay “in touch” with changes and be flexible.
-Always communicate COVID-19 protocols.
-Avoid infringing on employee downtime, especially during a crisis such as COVID that may bring added responsibilities.
3) Stay in Touch with Customer Needs:
Also, remember the importance of communication with customers. The needs of customers and the needs of your staff are interdependent. Veteran Small Business Owners should always consider the importance of a loyal network of well-wishers.
Strategies to develop these networks could involve integration with the community, charity work, shared interests, and any of a variety of strategies to ensure brand loyalty.
Possible strategies (as discussed in previous blog posts) can include the following:
-Discounts and coupons
-Special advertising promotions
-Events relevant to your industry or individual product(s).
-Publication of newsletters or email lists that describe advances and developments.
4) Stay in Touch with a Changing Environment:
Think of how different we are now compared to 2019. The economy has shifted many possible functions. Remote work has even become the norm for many enterprises.
Let’s take that a step further. Now consider how different we are from 1985! At that stage, even computers were a novelty. Dramatic changes in the economic landscape are inevitable in everyone’s lifetime. In other words, change is eternal. Every good owner needs to stay prepared and embrace change.
Here are some strategies:
– Adopt new technologies as they arise to stay competitive.
– Shift employee tasks as their roles evolve with the surrounding economy.
– Strategically update your online presence to keep up to date with changes in your industry or society in general. Consider COVID updates as an example.
5) Evaluate Regularly:
Remember the importance of feedback, not only for your employees but your company in general. Positive feedback brings even stronger results than negative ones. During rough patches, business owners should celebrate small wins. Managers can make an event out of, for example, meeting a sales goal. The general workplace environment should stay upbeat, while the management provides an honest assessment of workplace performance.
Some ideas for regular evaluation may include:
-Regular feedback meetings on a periodic basis, not just when an issue arises, but as a routine process in managing the workplace.
-Inviting feedback on various aspects of the business.
-Providing discounts and incentives to employees, possibly tied to performance.
-Alter expectations for the business depending on circumstances.
Conclusion
Events like the COVID pandemic can change the game with the running of a small business. Those at the helm must use the skill in steering the company through these troubled waters. Use caution and stay calm. This way we can develop the flexibility and wisdom to ensure that everyone comes out on top.
VAMBOA, the Veterans and Military Business Owners Association hope that this article has not only been valuable but provided some unique perspective. We work hard to bring you important, positive, helpful, and timely information and are the “go-to” online venue for Veteran and Military Business Owners. VAMBOA is a non-profit trade association. We do not charge members any dues or fees and members can also use our seal on their collateral and website. If you are not yet a member, you can register here:
https://vamboa.org/member-registration/
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