Fix Company Problems

Is Crazy Creating Chaos in Your Company?

We all deal with crazy (read: difficult) people in life. They are rude, obnoxious, oblivious, pitiful, without fault, always victims, stir up drama, and what’s worse, don’t know so. You see, the problem with him or her is someone else besides he or she: another coworker, a family member, perhaps even you. As the head of an organization, no matter its size, you’re bound to run into crazy and what’s simply insane is the fact that you let them through the door in the first place.

This is just one way business owners and managers rationalize a situation that’s spiraling out of control. “It’s a phase,” or “he or she just needs a little extra motivation.” Though these thoughts might bring a modicum of comfort, it will be short-lived. If you are faced with an employee that’s ultimately doing more harm than good, you’ve got to deal with the situation before it has time to inflict more damage.

Ways to Deal with Difficult Employees

In most instances, people that behave this way aren’t at all aware of reality. While you and the rest of your team know it, the problem personality probably has a peculiar position. This is a moving or adaptable perception that assigns blame away from him or her. Of course, this makes things worse because he or she won’t be easily convinced as to what’s truly going on.

Often, when an employee is difficult we stop paying attention to what’s actually going on. We’re irritated, it seems hopeless, and we’ve already decided what we think about the employee – so we just turn our attention to other things, out of a combination of avoidance and self-protection. But the best managers get very attentive when someone’s not doing well. They know their best shot at improving the situation lies in having the clearest possible understanding of the situation… —Forbes.com

The very first thing you ought to do is to take stock of the dynamics. Put yourself in his or her shoes to try and gain some perspective. If that comes up short and doesn’t provide any tangible answers, you now know he or she is the real source of the problem. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to take crazy out of the company:

Separate fact from friction. Yes, friction, as well as fiction. Friction between employees can easily lead to you taking sides because of your affinity for one over the other, which is where fiction comes into play. You should act on facts, not feelings, and not because of favorites.

Don’t confuse performance with conduct. One rationalization for keeping problematic employees in the company is because of their so-called “redeeming qualities.” While he or she might well possess some great performance traits, it is his or her conduct that’s actually most important. What he or she might be producing individually could well be undermining his or her peers.

Take time to listen and offer solutions. Should the person who brings crazy chaos into your company be a productive team member, you ought to try to invoke a turn-around. Go into a private place and ask if he or she is having any problems, then, tactfully offer solutions. If the response is knee-jerk or obtuse, it’s probably time for ultimatums.

Lend a helping hand. Not your own, but someone within your organization you trust. This works best peer-to-peer, where coaching captures cooperation. Though this can work wonders, it can also become a tempting choice in the future. Don’t use it as the fallback position or you’ll simply be known for passing difficult personalities out for others to deal with.

Ultimately, you are fighting to deal with a situation, not to win by wrangling control away. You want to create a solution, not to win an argument. If you do chose the latter, you are choosing to join in the craziness and even make the environment worse. Also, know when you’re at your limit, as not every situation can be resolved. There will be times when simply parting ways will be the best solution for you and your business.
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How to Make a More Productive Monday on Friday

May 16, 2017 No Comments

With another hectic week coming to a close and the excitement of the weekend just hours away, it’s no wonder why Fridays are less than practically productive. In some business environments, it’s the unofficial slack-off day, one comprised of mundane tasks, a bit of cleanup, and perhaps, some tying of loose ends. Plans for the weekend take away attention from the inbox, and minds wander. Fridays, by-and-large, are informal work days, and that’s a shame, because these could serve as launch pad for serious Monday productivity. How to Make a More Productive Monday on Friday Ironically, Mondays aren’t much better, as these are the days returning from the weekends dreamed about on Fridays. The first day of the work week is one that’s often dreaded, in-part because of what wasn’t done on Friday. Talk about a dichotomy, this one scores high on the list. What’s worse, is that your team members aren’t alone in this experience, because you too, are right alongside them, especially on Friday afternoon, after lunch. Monday mornings are the most critical time of the workweek — they set the stage for the day and week ahead. Most successful people are keenly aware of the typical Monday-morning workplace dynamic of unanticipated events, overflow of communications, and general chaos. —Business Insider Even with all your entrepreneurial drive, you too, are ready to enjoy the downtime the weekend delivers, and it’s important because it lets you let go, at least enough to refresh. This dynamic doesn’t have to bedevil your company, or more particularly, you. There are some things you can do to make a more productive Monday on Friday: Plan in advance for the following week. Monday is often treated with disdain precisely because of what it holds in-store. Ironically, it’s what wasn’t done on Friday that makes this a reality. Mondays don’t have to be a scramble to catch-up, they can be a productive day, if you prepare on Friday. So, prime your sales pipeline, get organized, and plan out the week. You’ll do yourself a huge favor, and you’ll avoid that nagging feeling that you forgot something. Identify one or more things to get done today. Instead of counting down the clock to the end of the day, look at the time available to use for a task or two that’s yet to be completed. When you tackle a project, even if it’s small, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, and not guilty about taking time for yourself over the weekend. Reach out to customers early in the day. Because Friday is a lackadaisical day in so many offices, you can use this phenomenon to your advantage. Reach out to customers you haven’t connected with in awhile, and double down by following-up with deals in-the-works. Leave a small reward to enjoy on Monday. One reason Mondays seem so bland is because they lack reward. Whatever it is that perks you up, and not just a cup of coffee, like a favorite snack, put it aside for next week. You can even set a reminder to make it all the more special. Begin the week with thoughtful recognition. There is probably at least one person who helped you out this week, perhaps two or three. Show your appreciation by picking something up for them over the weekend and surprising them on Monday. It will keep you eager to get back Monday morning, and will create a sense of appreciation and excitement to the recipient(s). Another thing you can do on Friday to make Monday more productive is to get that one pain point out of the way. It will make the weekend all the more enjoyable and sweet, plus, it won’t daunt you next week. I started doing this in the form of a game or competition. How many pain point, or high priority projects, phone calls or tasks could I accomplish before I leave on Friday? How many projects or priorities do I have on Monday that I could complete on Friday to make Monday an easy start? And it is working for me with higher productivity, growth and more free time. Make your Friday count so that Monday is a breeze! [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

What Small Business Owners Need to Know about Instituting Employee PTO

September 1, 2023 No Comments

Providing Paid Time Off (PTO) is a critical component of a comprehensive employee benefits package. For small business owners, understanding the nuances of PTO can be crucial for both employee satisfaction and business success. In the following article, we will explore the pros and cons of offering PTO to your team members, helping you make informed decisions that balance employee well-being and operational efficiency. The Pros and Cons of Small Businesses Offering Paid Time Off As you already know, Paid Time Off (PTO) is a benefit that allows employees to take time away from work without losing pay. It can be used for vacation, sick leave, or other personal reasons. While there is no federal law requiring small businesses to offer PTO, many states do have their own laws. For example, California requires employers to provide at least 10 days of paid vacation per year after an employee has been with the company for one year. So, be sure to look into the specific laws in your area in order to be legally compliant. Pros of Offering PTO When small business owners first consider instituting a Paid Time Off program, they of course think about the cost. But entrepreneurs should also equally consider the enjoyment current employees will experience, and the appeal it will have for future hires. Such a benefit has other positives, too, including the following: Employee well-being. Offering PTO demonstrates your commitment to your employees’ work-life balance and overall well-being. PTO also helps reduce stress levels for employees. When employees are able to take time away from work to relax and recharge, they are better able to cope with the demands of their jobs. Enhanced morale. PTO boosts employee morale and job satisfaction, leading to higher levels of motivation and productivity. When employees feel like they are valued and have the opportunity to take time off, they are more likely to be happy and engaged in their work. Attracting talent. A robust PTO policy can attract top talent, showcasing your business as one that values its employees’ time and efforts. In fact, a survey by Glassdoor found that 72% of employees would be more likely to accept a job offer if it included PTO. Reduced burnout. Regular breaks contribute to reduced burnout, increasing employee engagement and long-term retention. This in turn, also reduces employee turnover, which is yet another huge benefit, especially in terms of continuity. Flexibility. PTO provides employees with flexibility to address personal matters, reducing stress and absenteeism. It also provides them with a sense of freedom and less apprehension about having to ask for time off that is not compensated. Plus, Paid Time Off will help to boost creativity and innovation. When employees are able to take time away from their work, they can come back with fresh ideas and perspectives. Cons of Offering PTO Okay, there’s just no getting around the fact that with any change, even an ostensibly positive one, it will come with at least a few downsides. With this in mind, here are the most common disadvantages small businesses experience when introducing such an employee benefit: Operational impact. PTO can disrupt daily operations, especially if multiple employees are on leave simultaneously. That means it’s best to coordinate ahead of time in order to avoid such inconveniences. Financial considerations. Paid time off requires budgeting for wages during employee absences, potentially affecting cash flow. Be sure to have this worked out before making an announcement to your team. Workload redistribution. When employees are on PTO, their tasks may need to be redistributed, causing potential strain on remaining team members. Potential abuse. Some employees might abuse PTO, leading to reduced team productivity and resentment. Yet another downside is a lack of coverage. In a small team, the absence of a key employee on PTO might result in a lack of expertise or coverage. Additionally, if too many employees are taking time off at the same time, it can be difficult to keep the business running smoothly. Tips for Effectively Implementing PTO Policies The decision of whether or not to offer PTO is a complex one. There are many factors to consider, such as your budget, the needs of your employees, and the laws of your state. If you are considering offering PTO, here are a few more things to keep in mind: Clear guidelines. Develop clear PTO policies, outlining accrual rates, approval procedures, and blackout periods. Advance notice. Encourage employees to provide advance notice for PTO requests to facilitate operational planning. Fair allocation. Ensure PTO is allocated fairly, preventing any perception of favoritism or inequality. Seasonal considerations. Plan for peak seasons when PTO might be challenging to accommodate without affecting business operations. Encourage balance. Promote the use of PTO to maintain a healthy work-life balance among employees. Of course, communication is also important. Clearly communicate your PTO policies, including how to request time off and the expected response time. Offering Paid Time Off is a critical consideration for small business owners, with far-reaching impacts on both employees and operations. The benefits of PTO, including improved morale, productivity, and employee well-being, can offset the challenges of operational disruptions and budgeting. By thoughtfully designing and implementing PTO policies, small business owners can create a positive work environment that attracts and retains top talent, promotes employee satisfaction, and contributes to the overall success and growth of the business. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

5 Effective Methods for Coping with Fear and Anxiety Right Now

April 24, 2020 No Comments

Anxiety, stress, fear, and even anger. All these emotions result from a lack of control in a state of uncertainty. And, little else can describe the current state of events. It’s a time filled with unknowns and that’s not good for the human condition. After all, no one really relishes living in an environment of uncertainty. What Causes Fear and Anxiety This is precisely what triggers feelings of fear and anxiety — uncertainly. Having little to no idea of what to expect next or, being without any sense of control. It’s a combination of these two elements which cause anxiety, stress, fear, anger, and more negative emotions. For many people, the uncertainty surrounding coronavirus is the hardest thing to handle. We don’t know how exactly we’ll be impacted or how bad things might get. And that makes it all too easy to catastrophize and spiral out into overwhelming dread and panic. But there are many things you can do—even in the face of this unique crisis—to manage your anxiety and fears. —Help Guide International The good news is, even during the most uncertain and stressful times, you can do something to deal with such negative emotions. Better yet, once you begin to establish even a small sense of control, you’ll start to feel empowered and that by itself is a huge relief. 5 Ways to Cope with Fear and Anxiety To deal with anxiety and fear, you have to first accept your current set of circumstances. Fighting reality simply won’t work, because it can’t be changed. However, you can change how you respond to fear and anxiety by doing the following: Contextualize. Your first step toward conquering or at least coping with fear and anxiety is to contextualize. Here’s an example. Money is tight and bills are due. But, it’s only a temporary circumstance. It’s not an end-of-life situation. You will get through it and putting things in context is a big help. Take small steps. Next, you’ll need to take small steps in order to feel a sense of control. Sticking with the example above, you can reach out to vendors and ask what can be done. Just by communicating and better understanding the what’s actually going on will give you a sigh of relief. Limit news consumption. You’ve probably already heard this advice several times. So, take it to heart. Limit your exposure to news media, including social media, and other outlets. You only need to keep tabs on key developments but not bombard yourself with big doses. Revisit and revisit your goals. Now is a great time to revisit and revise your goals. This will help you to see and feel better about the future. And, it will also provide you with a sense of new possibilities, which is very empowering. Visualize and start to execute. It’s also a good time to visualize and execute. Although you may not be able to take things fully to fruition, you can at least start and that too, will help to give you a sense of control, accomplishment, and hope. What other suggestions do you have to combat feelings of anxiety and fear? Please comment and share your thoughts and experiences! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.