The Stress Series: Staff
Summary
In this episode, Joel and Jed kick off their series on the main sources of stress in business, starting with staff. They explore the importance of building the right team, implementing effective systems, and understanding one's role as a business owner to alleviate stress. The conversation emphasizes that stress often stems from the business owner's actions or inactions rather than the staff, and offers practical advice for managing stress through delegation and proper hiring practices.
Takeaways
Stress is often in the air during the holiday season.
Building a team can significantly reduce stress levels.
Hiring the right people is crucial for business success.
Business owners often block their own happiness.
Systems are essential for effective team management.
Delegation is key to reducing personal workload.
It's important to identify your role in the business.
Stress can lead to burnout if not managed properly.
Understanding staff roles can alleviate business stress.
Business owners need to get out of their own way.
Keywords
stress, business, team building, delegation, systems, burnout, management, business owner, hiring, leadership
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Stress in Business
03:01 Building the Right Team
05:56 Systems and Delegation
08:47 Evolving Your Role as a Business Owner
Alleviating Stress in Business: The Power of Building a Team and Systems
Stress is something every business owner faces, especially as we approach the end of the year. While it’s a natural part of running a business, there are ways to significantly reduce it by focusing on key areas like staffing and internal systems. In our experience, we’ve found that while staffing can be a source of stress, it can also be the solution. Here are some insights into how building the right team and systems can make a significant difference.
The Importance of Building a Team
One of the main sources of stress for business owners is trying to do everything themselves. As the workload piles up, burnout can quickly set in. This is where building a strong team comes in. When you have the right people around you, your business can operate more efficiently, and stress levels decrease.
However, hiring the right team is crucial. Often, people hire whoever is available or someone they know personally, which may not always be the best fit for the business. When this happens, not only does the stress level rise, but the performance of the business may stagnate. If you find yourself in a situation where your staff isn’t a good fit, it's important to make changes quickly. Delaying these decisions only prolongs the stress.
Hiring the Right People
The key to reducing stress through staffing lies in making the right hires. Ask yourself: if you could start fresh with your current team, would you keep everyone? If the answer is no, it’s time to make some changes. Start by assessing the roles and responsibilities of each person. Are they in the right position? Are there systems in place to support them? If not, it may be time to reframe their roles or, if necessary, let them go.
Hiring the right people isn't just about skill sets—it’s about aligning with the business’s needs. Often, business owners hire out of urgency, which leads to further complications down the line. A well-thought-out hiring process will save you a lot of headaches later.
Systems as a Foundation for Success
A common mistake business owners make is not having solid systems in place. Without systems, even the best team will struggle. Chaos is often created by a lack of clear processes and guidelines. Without a system to plug your team into, you'll find yourself constantly managing crises instead of focusing on growth.
The solution? Look at the recurring problems in your business and create systems to address them. This allows your team to operate independently and effectively, reducing the need for you to step in and solve problems every time something goes wrong.
Delegating Effectively
Another major source of stress is the idea that "it’s easier if I just do it myself." While it may feel that way in the short term, this approach is detrimental in the long run. If you’re constantly jumping in to solve problems, you're not only wasting time but also limiting your business’s growth potential. Effective delegation means trusting your team and the systems you've built. When something arises, ask yourself: can this be delegated? If the answer is yes, step back and let your team handle it.
Knowing Your Role
As your business grows, your role as the owner must evolve. Initially, you might be doing much of the grunt work, but as you build your team, your focus should shift to managing and leading. This transition can be difficult for many business owners, especially if they’re used to being hands-on. However, learning to step back and trust your team is crucial for long-term success.
If you find yourself struggling with this, it might be worth considering what role you truly want to play in your business. Some business owners enjoy being hands-on, while others prefer focusing on the management and strategic aspects. Identifying your preference will help you structure your business and team accordingly.
In Summary
Reducing stress in your business comes down to two key things: building the right team and implementing effective systems. Take a hard look at your current staffing situation. Are the right people in the right roles? If not, make the necessary changes. Then, evaluate your systems. Do you have clear processes in place, or are you constantly putting out fires? By focusing on these areas, you’ll not only reduce stress but also create a more efficient and successful business.
