What’s Under the Covers of Your Business pt. II

Find out what your staff, spouse, and closest friends are seeing about your business that is, and is not working. Trust me, they’ll know more about running a business than you can ever imagine. Now there are a couple of ways of going under the covers to discover what’s there. You can do one-on-one interviews. This is what I conduct in larger organizations, and works well when you have the funds to bring someone in. In mid. to small businesses, surveys work . Call it: “What This Business Needs” Analysis. Now, if they know you can detect whose writing is whose, here’s a suggestion: Give them a completion date to turn it in by. Then, provide a self addressed, stamped envelope to be mailed to a person who will type up the answers. If your company is large enough, have them turn the completed analysis in to your administrative assistant. Again remember:

• Don’t take it personally!

• Don’t make excuses to yourself or others as to why things are the way they are.

• No blame-shifting, take full responsibility for the results.  You’re the leader.

• Don’t let it defeat you, it is what it is. After you’ve taken stock, it’s may be time to rebuild/re-launch a new standard of operating, according to what you’ve found.

Here are some questions you can use for your questionnaire:

1. What do you see isn’t working around here?

2.  If you could change anything, what would it be?

3. Why aren’t we growing?

4. Why don’t we have more clients/customers, or sales?

5. What can we change, or do, to make your job easier for you to give your best?

6. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most and 1 the least:

a. How happy are you in your position?

b. I have received adequate training to be successful

c. I have been provided all the equipment and supplies to do my job well.

d.Toxic conversation is discouraged in my area

e. I have respect for my direct manager?

f. I understand the Mission, Vision, and Values of my company

g. We as employees strive to live by our Mission, Vision, and Values?

h. I feel my work is appreciated

i. I have incentives to continue to do a better job?

j. I am provided continuing education to enhance my work and skill-set

k.The culture of the office is healthy

Remember, this is just a start. If you’d like more information on when this product is launched, let me know. I’m sure I’ll be running some great specials to test it, as well as to promote it. Here’s to your business success not being by ACCIDENT!