Oftentimes, small business owners stay up thinking of ideas on how to improve their products, services, and business operations. They would come up with something that is sheer genius and they will plan on how to apply this great idea to their daily operations. Then the morning comes. Small business owners lay out their plans to their employees. Everybody accepts the idea with applause and everyone pledges cooperation. It will be working great at first but somehow, its ultimate goals are not achieved. There must be something that went wrong because it was carefully planned. If this is a familiar scenario and if this happened more than once, they may have weak follow-through.
Do Tell
It will be best for small business owners to tell his or her employees about his immediate and long-term goals. It would also be great if the business’s mission and vision is shared with each of the employees at day 1. This will make the employees know that they are major parts of the accomplishment of these goals. It will be best if these goals will include something beneficial for the employees. It will make them feel that their contributions to the implementation of plans count. It is also important to have a coaching session at day 1.
Aside from the mission, vision, and action plans, small business owners may also inform the employees about set expectations and ask about the employees’ expectations as well. It is important that they know their part or role in the grand scheme of things. It is necessary that they acknowledge the importance of their job and how their efficiency in it can greatly affect the small business. For example, employees should know that business communication is important. When small business owners subscribe to an office phone system service from a provider such as RingCentral, it is important that the employees know the purpose of the communication system and how using it efficiently will help reach the small business owner’s goals.
Earning Stars
Reward is the best motivation. It is important that small business owners monitor each employee’s progress and performance constantly. There are times when a pat on the back will do but it is best if there is some kind of reward system. In handling customer calls, there could be a point system wherein each call evaluation will be graded and the ones who handled their evaluated call perfectly will earn some points. These points may then be exchanged for cash, gifts, or paid leave credits. It is also important to be active in additional information and progress updates dissemination. It will keep the employees motivated and involved in all the steps until the business goals are reached. For such tasks, the bulletin board, newsletter, and mass messaging may be used.
To see is to Believe
Small business owners should be good in creating graphic organizers and visual motivations. Office phone systems may be integrated with other office applications. Using the system this way, it can generate reports easily wherein office phone system communication is concerned. These reports may be used in pointing out specific information such as the employees’ call handling status or record, the common mistakes they commit, and the average call handling time. Other visual motivators may be used such as commendations from callers, inspirational quotes, and other recognitions such as employee of the month or call of the month.
A plan is just a wish without action. Small business owners should be consistent in motivating their employees to give their best all the time. The small business owner plays a major role in keeping the employees satisfied and happy.