We are Short on Staff--Again!

    A business owner was telling me the other day that he is again short on staff, however, because he is working longer and harder, he has elected to try and get through February before he hires another individual.  Now, this business owner has been one of our clients for many years.  As we discussed the challenges of working without adequate staff, he insured me that finding staff was one issue, working without adequate staff is another.
     It is important for any business owner to have adequate staff to fulfill the needs of the business. However, when you are working 80-90 hours a week just to stay up, then, perhaps, additional staff is one of the challenges that needs addressing.
     We recommend that you don't hire staff just to hire staff, however, we also suggest that there is little, if any, sense if putting off a hiring decision if indeed the business is suffering from lack of staff.  Often times, our clients have found that once they have added the requisite staff, that they become more profitable and productive because they are able to do more of the strategic tasks that were not being accomplished when the business owner was performing a staff function.
     Job descriptions and clear duty expectations are important when hiring new staff.  Don't assume anything with a new employee.  He/She will, most likely, do an outstanding job once you explain what you wish to have accomplished and completed.  Just because they did not do what you expected is probably because you did not explain your ideas and expectations clearly.  Most employees, >98%, want to do an outstanding job for you.  Give them the chance, you will be surprised with the results!
      Hiring staff is always a challenge, however, having the additional help normally results in increased profitability and sales.  Think about that when you are faced with the hiring staff question in the future!