Showing the Way

Showing the Way
A small firm can’t operate efficiently if workers are constantly asking similar questions, circumventing problems or forwarding inquiries to the higher-ups.

Make sure your employees have enough knowledge to make decisions and solve problems on their own:

Organize an orientation session in which you answer the most frequently asked questions and walk employees through the preferred ways of solving common problems at your firm.

Provide workers with the history behind procedures and policies. Background information is essential for making good decisions.

Furnish the necessary resources, whether it’s a list of client contacts, knowledge of the appropriate forms or even sharp pencils.

Give workers a place to turn when they can’t solve problems on their own. They should be able to consult a manual or a designated experienced colleague instead of always knocking on the president’s door.

Learn to delegate. Handing off certain tasks will build employee confidence and help others learn the necessary steps to follow.

Source: Score, www.score.org .