Part 3: Something Is Missing From Your Business Model.
When I say, “Something is missing from your business model,” I am talking to small business owners. And by “small business”, I do not mean the standard equation of 500 employees, $10 million in revenue. That may be someone else’s definition, but it’s not mine or nor is it that for my audience. Here, I are talking about 25 or fewer employees and a million or two of revenue, maybe less.
Here is your objective: meaningful employee participation. Give as many employees as you can a meaningful company responsibility. Help your employees become part of the company, taking ownership in its success and not just being a 9:00 am to 5:00 pm employee. Give them another job responsibility aside from just showing up and doing their day-to-day work.
For example:
1) Put someone in charge of employee birthdays, complete with a little ceremony a card and maybe other perks. It must be managed; have someone assigned to do it and give him/her a title and include it in their regular job duties.
2) Authorize someone to plan and organize the company picnic, employee outings, parties, etc. This person should include others by delegating tasks.
3) If appropriate to your business, have someone manage a customer newsletter with a column about a different employee each month. Maybe produce an employee version as well.
4) Have an employee sit on the Board of Directors so there is a voice representative of your employees that can be heard in a meaningful forum.
5) Create an employee board to discuss employee issues.
6) Give an employee the responsibility of communicating with and supporting employees on sick leave. We care, and we are here to help should be the message.
7) If appropriate to your business, have employees help determine whether a customer or client should be released or engaged. They work directly with clients and the relationship is not just about profit it is about proper fit. They know who will work out and who will not.
8 ) Where appropriate, involve employees in the hiring process for new employees. In particular, involve a representative of the department for which you are hiring.
9) In the areas of training, equipment and resources, either wanted or required, get employee input. Create a board/forum for this purpose. They will be both frugal and focused; take their advice as they are the ones doing the work.
10) Create a community service committee to direct, coordinate and implement various community service efforts.
11) Create an employee grievance committee, and let them resolve their own issues when possible, on company time.
Above all, be creative, involve everyone possible and get employees on board and involved. Involve your employees in as many aspects of decision-making as possible. Trust them and they will support your success, making the business everyone’s success.
