Deciding to open a new enterprise is a trying task for anyone, which is why small business owners need to rely on their strengths in order to reach the levels of success they set out to achieve. Some professionals may not be aware of what they do best because they are too wrapped up in getting their business off the ground. But if you want to surround yourself with the right staff, it is important to know the processes in which the most assistance will be needed. Below are a list of ways small firm owners can recognize the professional strengths in themselves and their employees.
Hire trusted employees, then delegate tasks
Assigning positions in the workplace too soon can be a common mistake made by small business owners. Placing the reins on innovative employees can make staff members feel handcuffed by their job titles. Take some time to learn what you and your employees do best and let the puzzle pieces fall where they may. Employees who have had experience working with budgeting planning software can take leaderships roles in the finance sectors, while those with a knack for generating leads through marketing channels may be a strong fit for bringing in new business to the company.
"Think of your company as a laboratory," Todd Kashdan, a psychology professor at George Mason University, told Entrepreneur Magazine. "If people are excited about trying something else and you have some evidence that they could be good, then experiment with it."
Figure out what excites you and your employees
Most employees and small business owners are easy to read when they are engaged in something that stimulates their brain in the workplace. These are the assignments small business owners should delegate to themselves and their underlings. By allowing staff to work on tasks that they enjoy, you will see a more productive office, as well as a happier group of employees.
"You can see someone feels alive and motivated when they're using a core strength," Kashdan told the magazine.
Embrace innovative job titles
After you and your employees have understood roles in the workplace, use some creativity when placing job titles on employees. Say one staff member is a whiz with numbers – you can call him or her the 'number cruncher.' An employee who does a great job coming up with new ideas for the firm can be named the 'innovator'. Obviously this tactic may not be suitable for all companies, but the idea is to be forward-thinking, fun and encouraging. Creative job titles can often inspire motivation in the office and allow employees feel as though they are part of an exciting professional team.
"By coming up with an exciting word, you avoid all the typical connotations," Kashdan told the magazine. "Once you can put a word to your strengths, it becomes much more embedded in your everyday life."
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