It’s that time of year when a plethora of gardening and flower shows spring up encouraging us into our gardens – whether we are competent or not.
I have found that there are three types of gardener. There are those whose gardens are a jungle left to their own devices; those who primp and prune their plants to within an inch of their lives; and those who strive for a balance between the two.
As with all things I think the best approach is the third one – although we have until recently gone for the jungle option (only hacking back when it was absolutely necessary!).
Each of these three gardening routes can be metaphors for business management techniques.
Some business owners prefer a hands off management style. They let their staff get on with it with little guidance or direction. This means less short term hassle for the owner, but is unlikely to give them the results they require.
Others are over-bearing, stifling creativity and self-confidence in their team so much that no-one can work effectively. Certainly no decisions, or positive actions, are made without the business owners express involvement. This again hampers the ability of the business to successfully meet the owners goals.
I think the best way to run teams, is encapsulated in this four step approach:
- Recruit with care – as the saying goes it is better to have a hole than an asshole in your business!
- Make sure that all your team has the skills and training they need to do their job to the best of their ability.
- Be clear on what the business goals are and each team member’s role in meeting those goals.
- Let your team do the jobs for which you have recruited them without stifling interference from you. Yes, be there for them when they need you but trust that you have the right people in the right roles. If you doubt that this is so you need to review your team.
Tend your team with care and you may be amazed at the results. Incidentally the same four steps can apply to employing suppliers and other key partners to your business.
Fiona