Business Owner Too Busy To Train Employees?

I’ve spent the last 15 years branding myself as a life coach, author and public speaker but now that I’m in demand I get frustrated that my 3 support staff can’t get the smallest things right like answering the phone and booking my speaking engagements.

They need cross training or a manager as I can’t do it all on 3 hours of sleep per night. I’m spread too thin. This coach needs coaching.

Where do you live? Can we commiserate over lunch?? Boy do I understand where you’re at with this, but first I want to congratulate you for your success! Few people understand the hours of work you have put out to get where you are today.

I don’t need to tell you that you have provided your own answer in your question. Your support staff do need cross training or a manager, but let’s discuss those two options because the nuances of getting that taken care of might be where the stumbling block lies.

You are dealing with a problem that all successful entrepreneurs run in to from time to time: The business is growing fast and you know you need to add more staff or do more training but both take time, time you barely have for sleep! What’s a person to do?

First, even though your time is so restricted, force yourself to take the time to review your business needs critically and honestly. Make a plan for moving your business forward with the solid support staff you need. This deserves a thoughtful plan instead of a knee-jerk reaction or band aide fix as careful planning will set you up for longer-term rewards.

Do you have current employees who aren’t performing in their job as they should reasonably be expected to do? If not, you will need to take a critical look at whether or not you should keep them on the payroll.

If you do feel you need a general manager, which will allow you to step away from that role, give careful consideration to what their responsibilities will be? I’m a believer in broadening the duties when you first hire people because it’s much easier to lighten their load than to ask them to do more once they’re settled in.

Budget in to your busy day adequate time for recruiting, interviewing then training your new manager. I know! You have no time! This is where you just have to bite the bullet and get ‘er done.

Good luck~I admire people like you!!

Embrace your Personal Power with Life Coaching~
• Instead of just putting out fires, how will you develop a prevention plan?
• What inefficiencies can you identify in your work habits and those of your support staff?
• Where will you find the resolve to get your staffing needs moving in the right direction?
• What changes can you make to bring more balance and self-care to your life?

Listen to “The Joan Jerkovich Show” this weekend where my caller talks about her “Poor Manager” and I share “10 Tips For Dealing With A Bully Boss!” Also hear the “Road Rage” caller and for the “6 Habits of Road Ragers.”