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Sales Masters Guild Mentor, Olivier Carion, asks "what happens after you’ve hired the right people?"

It is no secret that finding the right people to hire can be very challenging. No doubt, you’ve heard a few horror stories from time to time. Truly scary, isn’t it? Best to avoid if at all possible, you might have thought. However, upscaling a business often requires finding the right people to bring onboard with the hope they will have a positive mindset and be eager to “put their shoulder to the wheel” of your company’s success.

Have you noticed that many business owners seem reluctant to hire new staff because of the financial burden and the challenges that managing people can bring to a business? Perhaps they think that it is too much of a hassle and, besides, they can do a better job more quickly themselves. Is this you?

Imagine you have now taken 1 or 2 new staff on board. The challenge at this early stage is to make sure they wholeheartedly focus their energy on demonstrating their value and getting results. Let’s assume their job description is completely clear and you have discussed it with them in great detail. Let’s also assume that the systems and processes they are expected to follow are both well documented and easy to understand. In addition, we will assume that a support team is available to help them should they have any question or need assistance. These boxes are now ticked to satisfaction, but what about the big question that remains: what can be done to keep them motivated and engaged in their role for the long term?

Here are three key principles that are well worth considering once new staff has been hired:

The 80% Rule of Thumb

When it comes to the performance of new staff, chances are that no one can do as good a job as you. As the owner of the business, you are most likely the most experienced and the most knowledgeable person around. Therefore, a good rule of thumb is this: if new staff are able to perform at 80% of your own capacity, they are doing very well. With time and opportunities to grow, their 80% will hopefully grow. It would be unrealistic to expect more at this stage. Give your new people time and space to learn and improve.

Your Business “DNA”

As the owner of the business, you have a vision for the future which is very clear in your mind. You know what you want out of your business and you are determined to achieve it. Part of that vision is the roadmap to get there. Your success requires a strategy and this strategy impacts many functions that are intrinsic to your business.

They are part of its uniqueness. This uniqueness can be distilled down to your values that make up your “Business DNA”. Your Business DNA is totally unique, it articulates everything you do in your business, from all internal activities to the way you treat your customers.

Whilst new staff have been taken on board for their skills and experience, they also need to “absorb” your Business DNA. In everything they do, they need to faithfully reflect your values and your brand. The principle here is one of communication and demonstration. Time spent communicating your Business DNA and demonstrating it in front of their eyes will be time well spent. It is never “wasted time”.

Positive Reinforcement

We all need to feel valued and appreciated in our work. It is a fundamental human need. One of the most effective motivators is positive reinforcement. It has long been seen as a powerful leadership tool.

It is particularly powerful in enhancing productivity and morale in the workplace. Never assume that an employee knows he/she is appreciated, therefore make sure that reflecting your Business DNA and good performance are rewarded explicitly and regularly. Positive reinforcement is an excellent way of keeping staff happy and performing… for the long term.

In conclusion, we see that getting the right people on board is just one side of the coin and providing a positive environment where they can grow, take on your Business DNA and feel valued for their efforts and results is the equally important other side of the coin.

This is a topic I regularly discuss in my one-to-one sessions with my clients. What are your thoughts on the subject?

In an upcoming blog, I would like to discuss effective methods for training new staff and facilitating skills acquisition. What are your thoughts on this subject?

Olivier’s Entrepreneurs Training courses run regularly and are open to entrepreneurs and business owners looking to grow.

If you’d like to find out more about the groups before booking, please contact Olivier directly though his Mentor profile page.

25 way to get more customers

Olivier Carion

Olivier Carion is a Sales Masters Guild Personal Business Mentor

 

With a real passion for the psychology of communication and the architecture that underpins accelerated growth, you’ll quickly realise why Olivier is the man who will help accelerate your business to a whole new level.

 

Find out more about Olivier on his Sales Masters Guild profile page.

 

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