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How to Avoid People Who Waste Your Time

Successful business entrepreneurs obsess over their companies and know instinctively the phrase, “time is money,” is true. It’s why business owners hire others to do tasks they could otherwise do themselves: accounting, marketing, paperwork, and so on. However, not everyone in the world of business is adept at executing, some, talk and do so a lot — a whole lot. They procrastinate, squander time on trivial tasks, and have long conversations without an objective. What’s worse, is some of us are not only susceptible to time wasters, we’re also enablers.

How to Avoid People who Waste Your Time

Enablers are generally very caring, thoughtful individuals and they don’t like to hurt others’ feelings. Even business people who are laser focused and get things done are time waster enablers, because they interact and hire them. While it seems completely counterintuitive, you don’t really know a person’s qualities until you get to know him or her through your work together. Someone might appear to be just as focused and enthusiastic but appearances can be misleading.

We’re all too busy, spending our days in back-to-back meetings and our nights feverishly responding to emails. (Adam Grant, a famously responsive Wharton professor, told me that on an “average day” he’ll spend 3-4 hours answering messages.) That’s why people who waste our time have become the scourge of modern business life, hampering our productivity and annoying us in the process. —Harvard Business Review

You contract and hire individuals based on their previous work but it isn’t until you really begin to interact with them you learn their true character traits. While you might be impressed with their body of work, you probably aren’t at all eager to become a victim of someone who wastes your time. The really big problem to overcome is to spot time wasters and that’s very difficult, because it could be anybody, not just an employee or contractor, but also a partner, vendor, customer or client. The trick is to identify as soon as possible those who are most likely to waste your time from those who get things done. You can do this by looking for certain personality extremes:

Negative individuals. Head down, slumped shoulders, complete with a scowl or frown, negative people tend to broadcast their misery physically with body language. Even those who manage to look composed will definitely show their true colors when speaking. They portray themselves as victims, bring you and others down, and worst of all, waste your time.
Super happy people. Happy-go-luckily, big smile, with large, enthusiastic stride, super happy individuals might be a blast and cheer others up, but, these people can be a bit too exuberant. These can easily be signs of immaturity and even though jubilant, they’re not serious about much of anything. These individuals will definitely liven up a room, but, they’ll also waste your time and do so with a big grin and bellowing laughter. You’ll be trying to get things done while they’re cracking jokes and carrying-on.
Gossip spreaders. People who can’t wait to tell you the latest about this or that with him or her are to be avoided at all costs because they’re involving you in the drama as well, even if you don’t know it. Individuals that take gossip to a whole new level aren’t interested about getting things done, they are only interested in spreading rumors and stirring-up drama to justify their agenda.
Emotional people. Speaking of drama, those who revel in spreading rumors and gossiping can also be very prone to being emotional. They go from one extreme to another and never seem to be on an even keel. These individuals do little else than waste their own time, as well as others. They tend to be irrational and irritable and ought to be completely avoided.

Another two personality types who can be total time wasters are attention seekers and self-centered individuals. The former will always want to be the center of attention, no matter where they might be, while the latter will step on toes and cross lines in a self-serving manner. This is why it’s imperative to surround yourself with positive, focused individuals who get things done and share your enthusiasm so that you can achieve your goals.

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Did the Solar Eclipse Reveal Your Business Blind Spot?

August 30, 2017 No Comments

Did the solar eclipse reveal your business blind spot? Probably not. And, you’ve likely not even considered you actually have a business blind spot. But, there’s a really high probability you do — you just don’t see it. Sure, life throws obstacles in our way — that’s expected. However, one of the most obtuse isn’t always from an outside source — it’s from within. What’s more, you don’t recognize it for what it truly is and that’s your business blind spot. How to Find Your Business Blind Spot It could well be you’re relying too much on short-cuts in communication — texting instead of actual face-to-face interactions. Or, it might just be something completely different. In a vehicle, it’s quite easy to identify the blind spot. We all know where it’s located in the cars we drive. But, when it comes to business, your blind spot hides until you actively look for it. And, it’s probably tripping you up clandestinely. Entrepreneurs regularly confront a host of tough challenges. Just a sampling among them: landing their first sale, growing their customer base, hiring the right employees, managing cash flow and getting access to funding. But the biggest challenge entrepreneurs may face is either a self-limiting or self-inflated view of their capabilities. Possessing fear, self-doubt, over-confidence, in-group thinking, misplaced commitment to a selected course of action or entrepreneurial myopia are just some ways an entrepreneur can sabotage his or her business. —Entrepreneur.com For some entrepreneurs, it’s not effectively dealing with critics. Hey, why waste time on such a thing? For others, it’s being too myopic, focusing on one thing and not seeing the bigger picture. So, what’s your business blind spot? What is it that you just don’t see? The best way to uncover it is to seek information from different sources. Once you have a more robust picture, you’ll easily be able to pin down your own business blind spot: Introspection. A little self-reflection goes a long, long way, particularly when you’re completely honest. Look inside for some answers. What is it that you already know is an inherent weakness? You can also look back on a time when you fell short and examine that event to uncover answers. Team input. After you look inward, it’s time to see if that lines up with what others who work with you observe. Don’t be surprised if you’ve missed the mark. While Introspection can really be insightful, it can also lead to blind spots if we don’t bring balance with other perspectives. Customer feedback. Your customers are also a great source of information. Solicit feedback and take it to heart. Don’t dismiss what you learn because they want you to be your best. After all, it benefits them, as well. So listen earnestly and take appropriate action thereafter. Retracing your steps. When you make a mistake, you learn from the experience. But, it shouldn’t be cursory. Carefully retrace your steps. What is it that you did that lead you in the wrong direction? Even if it’s an outside force, you made a decision. Look into your weaknesses. Your weaknesses are sometimes known as excuses. But, like mistakes, you can learn from your weaknesses and best of all, work to make improvements. It could be your business blind spot lies in a weakness. Have you identified your business blind spot? What steps did you use to uncover what you didn’t clearly see? Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment! Would you like to read more about Blind Spots? My friend, Kevin McCarthy, keynote speaker, trainer and author just published a compelling and informative book describing how his blind spots landed him in a federal prison for 33 months for a crime he didn’t knowingly commit. Learn more about: “Blind Spots – Why Good People Make Bad Choices”. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

I Just Learned One of My Best Employees Criticized My Business On Social Media, What Should I Do?

March 1, 2021 No Comments

You’ve just discovered one of your best team members has criticized your company on social media. So, you’re wondering what to do about it. Well, that depends if the comments were overall positive or negative. If the former, there’s quite a bit you can do. However, if it’s the latter, there’s relatively little you can do. Read on to learn more about how to deal with employees who criticize their organizations on social media. Dealing with Negative Employee Comments about Your Business Let’s begin with a negative situation. You’ve recently found out a great employee (who you like and trust) has made some really disparaging comments about your company — maybe even directed at you personally — on social media. Now, you’re wondering what to do about it. If the comments are negative and harmful to your business’ reputation, you most definitely need to address the situation immediately. Criticism in the workplace can be constructive if an individual is pointing out concrete inefficiencies and offering suggestions for positive improvements; or criticism can be destructive, when one person tears down and negatively critiques the actions of others while offering no suggestions for positive improvement. —Houston Chronicle Small Business This is a difficult conversation to have, there’s no doubt about it. But, a stern warning might be enough to move past the moment. It’s probably also necessary to talk about his or her future and potential separation from the company, should the behavior continue. While it’s a hard thing to do, derogatory comments simply are not acceptable. So, invite him or her to vent their grievances in private instead of on social media. Dealing with Positive Employee Comments about a Your Business If this is a situation where the comments were critical yet constructive or positive, it’s an entirely different set of circumstances. Since it’s a totally opposite attitude, you might still be personally hurt or feel undermined, but it’s far better than dealing with a completely negative scenario. Here are some effective methods for dealing with a good employee who publicly criticized your business on social media: Make him or her understand the proper context. The very first thing you need to do is to let him or her know that it is not acceptable or appropriate to criticize the company on social media. Instead, the appropriate time and place is right in the workplace, where discussions are private and between colleagues, where such input belongs. Let your employee know your door is always open. Of course, it’s up to you to open your office door and make all your employees understand they have an open-ended invitation to speak with you at any time they feel it is necessary. (Obviously, you’ll need to set some boundaries to ensure there’s mutual respect and interactions remain overall positive.) Solicit feedback from all your team members regularly. While this might be super-obvious, it’s most definitely worth repeating. You cannot operate in your business in a vacuum. It’s not a good dynamic and worse yet, when you don’t listen to the people around you who are in the trenches with you, it’s only going to erode the environment and worsen over time. What other suggestions do you have? How else would you handle such a situation? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Studies and Statistics Show Gen Zers Prefer Entrepreneurship – So How Do Small Businesses Attract Young Talent?

February 9, 2024 No Comments

Studies and Statistics Show Gen Zers Prefer Entrepreneurship – So How Do Small Businesses Attract Young Talent? (WBC) In recent years, the entrepreneurial spirit has been on the rise among the Gen Z population. With more and more young people opting to start their own companies, small businesses face a unique challenge in attracting young talent. That necessitates learning various strategies small businesses can employ to attract Gen Z talent and remain competitive in today’s job market. Understanding Gen Z’s Entrepreneurial Drive The demographic cohort born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s – Gen Z – has grown up in a world of rapid technological advancements, social media, and global connectivity. This has fostered a strong sense of independence and an entrepreneurial mindset among many members of this generation. Gen Zers are known for their desire to make a positive impact on the world, their focus on social and environmental issues, and their preference for flexible work arrangements. By understanding these characteristics, small businesses can tailor their recruitment strategies to appeal to this demographic. Strategies for Attracting Gen Z Talent In a landscape where Gen Zers are increasingly drawn to the allure of entrepreneurship and startup ventures, attracting their talent to small businesses may seem like a challenge. However, there are strategic approaches that savvy small business owners can employ to entice the entrepreneurial-minded Gen Z workforce. Offer flexible work arrangements. Gen Z values work-life balance and flexibility. Small businesses can attract young talent by offering flexible work hours, remote work options, and a relaxed company culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Provide opportunities for growth and development. Gen Zers are eager to learn and grow professionally. Small businesses can attract young talent by offering training programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear career progression paths. Leverage technology. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up as digital natives. Small businesses should embrace technology and digital tools to streamline their operations and appeal to young talent. Offer competitive compensation and benefits. While Gen Zers value purpose and impact, they obviousl expect fair compensation and benefits. Small businesses should offer competitive salaries, health insurance, and retirement plans to attract young talent. Emphasize purpose and impact. Gen Zers are highly motivated by the desire to make a difference in the world. Small businesses should highlight the social and environmental impact of their work, as well as the company’s commitment to making a positive change. And, here’s a bonus tip – don’t be afraid to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit! Offer internship programs focused on innovation, consider employee ownership options, or even collaborate with them on side projects or ventures. Remember, Gen Z sees work as an extension of their lives, not just a means to an end. Find ways to integrate their entrepreneurial ambitions with your business goals, and you’ll create a win-win scenario for everyone. By adapting your approach and creating an environment that resonates with their values and aspirations, your small business can become a magnet for the dynamic and innovative talent of Gen Z, propelling your company to new heights in the years to come. So, open your doors to the entrepreneurial spirit, and watch your hive buzz with the energy of the future! Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

How to Avoid People Who Waste Your Time

How to Avoid People who Waste Your Time

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Did the Solar Eclipse Reveal Your Business Blind Spot?

I Just Learned One of My Best Employees Criticized My Business On Social Media, What Should I Do?

Studies and Statistics Show Gen Zers Prefer Entrepreneurship – So How Do Small Businesses Attract Young Talent?

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