Overcoming Workplace Challenges
Here's a great post from our Director of Operations, Eleni Gagnon. Hear how she handles workplace challenges here at The Abs Company.
I bet when you think of a large company you think they have it all figured out, but I can guarantee behind those big doors they’re facing the same internal challenges as us small businesses! It doesn’t matter the company size, however it does matter how we overcome them.
The top three challenges I see within my workplace is accountability, adapting to change, and lastly, hiring the right talent. It’s easy to think that you can solve for all of these challenges by recognizing those who are not meeting the standards agreed upon, learning the news ways of selling or operating, and having a good recruiter who knows what you need. There are so many blind spots that you can’t see coming or take longer to see - and at that point it’s sometimes too late!
1. Accountability
Accountability by definition is expected or required to account for one's actions; answerable. When you first bring on a new team member you discuss and explain THE DEAL, as we call it at The Abs Company. This signed “deal” describes salary, policies and procedures, and most importantly what is expected of you within your role. So as your new hire begins their journey within your organization you are observing them. Are they making enough calls? Are they grasping the operations policies & procedures? Are they treating your customers the right way? And more importantly, are they a cultural fit? As their leaders, it’s important to hold them accountable and correct their action the moment we see it. The moment we allow the mistake or missed contact to not be recognized is the moment we are failing as leaders and as a company. We need to hold our team members accountable for their jobs the same way they hold us accountable to do ours.
2. Adapting to Change
We know adapting to change can be difficult, but change is constant. At The Abs Company, We Change Lives from the Core. We want to continue to fulfill that mission, and keep innovating, but if we aren’t keeping up with new sales & marketing, finance or technology tools we will be at a standstill. In order to ease the change, it’s best to understand the problem and take the risk to change it!
Along the journey, change is inevitable - you may notice that your people, your systems, your policies & procedures may serve you for a period of time and it’s important to recognize when its time for a change. Taking the time to find the right person or learn new applications is better than staying stagnant when trying to grow your business.
3. Hiring the right Talent
Hiring new talent to join our team is always exciting but stressful at the same time. It truly begins with having the right job post. Are we conveying the needs of the company in the right way? Are we asking the right questions during interviews? You are essentially courting each other and trying to make your best first impression. Sometimes you think “you met the one” and three weeks letter you’re banging your head against the wall. In today’s world, more and more employees are working remotely, no different than at The Abs Company, but what are you giving up when you have remote employees? Company culture is affected, communication lags, and not being able to solve for problems instantly are the challenges that arise. However, back to my second obstacle of CHANGE, we have to adapt and acknowledge that the right talent may not be in our local town to get us to our common goal of growth. It’s making sure we have the right person doing the right job and giving them all of the resources and tools to allow them to be successful.
Regardless of the industry we are in - we’ve all faced some or all of the challenges mentioned. We have to recognize and be willing to accept that something isn’t working or can be better. When you can accept it, your mindset changes and you are able to see the common goal that you are trying to achieve. Remember, what got you here won’t get you there!