Business Education

How Business Owners can Deal with Bad Managers

There’s a plethora of advice for how to deal with bad managers — from an employee’s role. But, little is out there about how to deal with a poor manager for business owners. Entrepreneurs rely on a number of other individuals to make things happen. Everyone onboard is supposed to be onboard as a team. Sadly, there are times when a manager’s style is counterproductive to the larger organization. Fortunately, there are some effective ways entrepreneurs can deal with bad managers.

Bad Managers Undermine Good Employees

You’ve probably heard the old computer software cliche that “garbage in equals garbage out.” Meaning, if the right ingredients aren’t entered, the output will totally reflect its input. This same sentiment goes for your company’s team members. If employees have the right management leadership, their performance will reflect it. However, if that leadership is poor, you’ll get poor results.

Bad management can impact employees and a company’s overall operations. Incompetent managers exist, and they can have challenges relating to staff members and keeping them motivated. In addition, substandard supervisors may not be able to balance budgets, increase revenues or capably perform other crucial tasks. —Houston Chronicle Small Business

It’s a bit more difficult to manage a manager than it is an ordinary employee. Largely because these individuals are experienced and used to managing others — but not necessarily themselves. So, it’s entirely possible for them not to see their own flaws and shortcomings. If an employee under him or her doesn’t produce the right outcomes, a bad manager believes it’s because of the employee and not himself. Of course, this is circular logic and the situation will only worsen over time.

3 Effective Ways Business Owners can Deal with Bad Managers

The good news is there are ways to get a wayward manager back on track. (Or, reform a bad manager into a good steward of their team members.) Here are three effective methods business owners can use to deal with bad managers:

Identify their weaknesses. Okay, this goes under the “obvious” category. But, it’s something that simply cannot be ignored. By getting feedback from your employees and observing him or her in their official capacity, you can pinpoint his or her weaknesses (and strengths). Then, work with them to formulate a plan to help them overcome their weaknesses and rely more on their strengths. Don’t be overly critical. Instead, speak about their shortcomings in a transcendental way and emphasize their strongest traits.
Always strive to set an example. Here’s another bit of obvious — but absolutely necessary advice — always strive to set an example. After all, if you run the company like the infamously bad side of Steve Jobs (who was reputedly a ruthless and hard-driving boss), expect the same behavior from your manager(s). But, run your company as a benevolent yet firm boss and your manager(s) will most likely follow your cue. When you make a mistake, own up to it and do so honestly and humbly.
Give him or her public praise when deserved. This is difficult because it could easily backfire in a number of ways. Still, it’s necessary to bestow praise when and where it is due to encourage others and to foster a sense of unity. Of course, you can’t just praise your manager(s), you must also do the same for your employees.

What other suggestions do you have for dealing with bad managers as a business owner? 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.

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How to Deal with Employee Ghosting

July 15, 2018 No Comments

Employee ghosting is a scary situation. It’s spooky because it’s so awkward and strange. If you haven’t heard about employee ghosting, you’re certainly not alone. Although, it’s a trend which appears like it’s on the rise. Basically, this is a workplace phenomenon born from personal relationships in this day and age or IRL. (That’s In Real Life — BTW or By the Way.) And, it’s possible you might just face this particular scenario. So, it’s best to err on the side of caution and take proactive measures to limit the fallout. Employee Ghosting Explained Before we get to how to deal with it, let’s first explain employee ghosting. It’s simply when an established team member, a new employee, or a fresh hire doesn’t show up, without notice or any forewarning. It’s actually a practice that’s been present in the dating world for quite some time. One person simply up and disappears, without any indication. Poof. All communications are cut off, all of a sudden. In fields ranging from food service to finance, recruiters and hiring managers say a tightening job market and a sustained labor shortage have contributed to a surge in professionals abruptly cutting off contact and turning silent–the type of behavior more often associated with online dating than office life. —Inc.com This has found its way into the professional workplace. And, it raises a number of concerns. Of course, the first is being a person short. Then, there’s the matter of reconciling or trying to make sense of a nonsensical move. Moreover, it makes your team members wonder just what the ghost knows they don’t yet know themselves. In other words, just what reason could cause a person to up and disappear? How to Deal with Employee Ghosting Now, let’s get to dealing with employee ghosting. After all, if it does happen, you certainly don’t want to be caught totally off guard. Here are some helpful suggestions for how to deal with employee ghosting: Create a backup plan. At some point, you’re going to deal with a sudden change that comes out of nowhere. So, it’s best to have a plan in-place. Get with one or more team members and create a backup plan that’s reasonable and actionable so it can be implemented, if necessary. Be prepared to reward. Of course, if someone doesn’t show up, someone else will have to shoulder the load. Which means they’ll have to work more. Make it worthwhile by rewarding them appropriately. A gift card, an extra paid day off, or a bigger bonus. Create a high trust culture. When employees call in sick or they are late, handle this professionally and according to your policy with consistency, but don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill. The same is true with employee mistakes. Be careful to react negatively or to belittle an employee who has made an honest mistake because these negative acts cause employees to not disclose the truth and hide their mistakes … even not showing up for work for fear of retribution. A safe and healthy work environment with open communication helps to foster high trust in the work place. Formulate a way forward. You can’t just rely on a temporary stop-gap solution because it isn’t tenable. You’ll need to formulate a plan for how to transition and proceed in a way that isn’t too interruptive. Stay calm and breathe deep. It’s an unfortunate situation and an uncomfortable one, just like when you have to tell your employees you’ve fired someone. But, you can make it past the setback. Start by remaining calm. Take a deep breath and handle it coolly. Have you experienced this strange trend? How do you deal with it? Or, what other suggestions do you have? Please share your thoughts by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

The Most Common Characteristics Successful Business Owners Possess that New Entrepreneurs can Emulate

January 12, 2023 No Comments

Starting a new business is a risky venture, and unfortunately, many start-ups do not make it. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, and this number increases to 50% within the first five years. While there are many factors that contribute to business failure, there are a few common reasons why so many start-ups don’t make it. To gain an advantage, successful business owners employ a number of traits and these help them overcome various obstacles that might otherwise derail their plans for building a profitable organization. The Biggest Reasons New Companies Fail Businesses fail due to a wide variety of reasons. But, the most prominent reasons come down to just five. First and foremost is the lack of planning. Many businesses fail because they do not have a solid business plan in place. Without a clear plan for how to generate revenue, manage expenses, and achieve their goals, businesses may struggle to succeed. Another common reason for business failure is a lack of financial resources. Many start-ups do not have enough capital to cover the costs of launching and operating their businesses, which can lead to financial difficulties down the line. Poor management is also a notorious culprit. Successful businesses require strong leadership and effective management, and those that lack these qualities may struggle to succeed. Poor management can lead to a lack of direction, disorganization, and conflicts within the company, which can ultimately lead to failure. It takes the lucky convergence of opportunity and ambition to create success. Successful business owners, regardless of industry, share a few critical traits that set them apart from the rest of society. Leveraging these skills allows them to turn their business ideas into profitable realities. —Forbes.com An inability to adapt is another factor. The business world is constantly changing, and those who are unable to adapt to these changes may struggle to stay competitive. Businesses that are resistant to change or unwilling to try new things may find it difficult to meet the needs of their customers and keep their businesses relevant. Finally, many businesses fail because there is simply not enough demand for their products or services. Without a sufficient customer base, businesses will struggle to generate revenue and may eventually go under. Successful Business Characteristics Entrepreneurs can Copy Starting a business is no easy feat, and it takes a certain type of person to be successful in the world of entrepreneurship. While there are many characteristics that successful business owners possess, there are a few that stand out as particularly important. By emulating these traits, new entrepreneurs can increase their chances of building profitable companies. Passion. Successful business owners are passionate about their ventures and the products and/or services they offer. This passion drives them to put in the hard work and long hours necessary to make their businesses a success. As a new entrepreneur, it’s important to be passionate about what you do, because this will help you persevere through the tough times and keep you motivated. Determination. Starting a business requires a lot of hard work and perseverance, and successful business owners are determined to see their visions through to the end. They are not easily discouraged and are willing to put in the effort necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. As a new entrepreneur, it’s important to be determined and never give up, even when things get tough. Adaptability. The business world is constantly changing, and successful business owners are able to adjust to these changes in order to stay competitive. They are willing to pivot and try new things in order to stay relevant and meet the needs of their customers. As a new entrepreneur, it’s important to be adaptable and open to new ideas, as this will help you stay ahead of the curve and keep your business moving forward. Confidence. Successful business owners are confident in their abilities and the value of their products or services. This confidence helps them to sell their ideas and convince others to invest in their ventures. As a new entrepreneur, it’s important to be confident in your business and your ability to succeed, as this will help you persuade others to believe in your vision and support your endeavors. Vision. Successful business owners have a clear vision for their businesses and are able to communicate this vision to others. They have a long-term plan for their company and are able to inspire and motivate their team to work towards a common goal. As a new entrepreneur, it’s important to have a clear vision for your business and to be able to communicate this vision to your team and potential investors. By emulating these characteristics, new entrepreneurs can increase their chances of building successful and profitable businesses. Remember that starting a business is not easy, and it will require hard work and determination. However, with the right mindset and approach, it is possible to achieve your entrepreneurial goals and build a successful company. What other qualities should entrepreneurs emulate from successful business owners? Please, go ahead and take a moment or two to share your own thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your perspective! Are you interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

No, Your Customers Don’t Really Care (or Want to Hear) about Your Problems – So Stop Complaining

September 1, 2022 No Comments

The economy is in a recession. Interest rates are going up. Inflation is rising. There’s a labor shortage. (And, materials are still not readily available.) The list can go on and on and on. What’s even worse, is there are business owners actually do go on and on. They complain about this, that, and the other thing. Some even take it to the next level and complain about things that haven’t even happened yet. Then, although somewhat rare, there are entrepreneurs out there who go so far as to put their gripes and grievances on social media. This doesn’t paint a very positive picture and of course, it does absolutely nothing to correct what is perceived to be or is wrong. In reality, it does far more harm than it does through catharsis. So, if you’re guilty of this extremely unattractive behavior it’s time to stop, and here’s why. The Internet is Forever All right, very few business owners actually do complain over the internet but where it’s mostly found is social media. Regardless of the digital property, the internet is forever, meaning that once it is out there, it’s usually not possible to take it back. Even if you’re able to delete it, you’ve already left a negative impression. We sometimes deny that we’re complaining. Instead, we say that we’re just “being honest,” “venting” or “blowing off steam.” But don’t kid yourself: Whenever you insert negative feelings into a conversation without some sort of resolution, you’re complaining. It’s tempting because there is a lot about entrepreneurship to complain about —Entrepreneur.com Then, there’s something else to keep in mind. Business owners don’t need to be the ones writing complaints about this or that on the web. Dissatisfied customers will do that instead (and probably with good reason). In other words, if you complain to your customers or in front of them, there’s a good chance they’ll share that experience and that isn’t good for your business’s public reputation. Instead of Complaining, Do the Following Everyone is guilty and capable of letting their complaints be known. But for business owners, this is a very bad choice with no real upside. Whether you’re complaining about a problematic customer, an inhospitable vendor, or your bank charging petty nickel and dime fees, you’re still doing it with negative emotion. Sure, people will understand your frustration, but customers really don’t want to hear about it or even care. So, what should you do when something bothers you and you’re dealing with a customer at that time? Well, the first suggestion is to ignore or resist your instinct to interject complaints and bite your tongue. If you’re able to put it off for a little while, you’ll be able to vent to the right people in an appropriate setting. Should your personality be one that says it’s best to be honest with everyone and use that excuse as a justification, think twice before you start blurting out complaints. Ask yourself what would you think if you were the customer hearing this? Merely putting yourself in your customers’ shoes ought to be enough to dissuade you from griping. At the very least, it will give you pause to adjust your attitude. It’s also helpful to remember that complaining doesn’t solve anything. Yes, it does allow you to get something that’s bothering you off your chest, but that’s not usually worth the ultimate cost. Remember that it is not an attractive or trustworthy trait and you’ll do yourself a huge favor. What other advice would you give business owners who have a bad habit of complaining to customers? Please share your own thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your input! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.