The People Dynamic

As a business owner, it stands to reason that you’re 100% committed to your business, which means you’re happy to pour all you’ve got into it. While of course that’s great, you must remember to do it in a way that’s healthy and sustainable for the long-term. 

You need to be realistic however and understand that your team might not have the same 100% commitment as you do. But there are things you can do to find and keep good people and help them cultivate a high level of dedication to your business and their work.

Broadly speaking, this covers things like:

• Employment rights – obviously you need to observe these. If you’re not in a position to have your own HR team within your business, find an independent expert for advice or contact the Federation of Small Businesses for help.
• Be fair and decent – beyond the ‘rule of law’ how can you be a good employer? Really think about your people and the culture you want to create. Consider too, what things you can put in place to create a positive and inclusive environment for everyone. 
• Accept different reasons for working for you – we all have our own reasons and priorities for taking a job, so ask people what they want to gain from coming to work for you. From this you can work out how your business priorities and their wants and needs can be matched.
• Developing and training your team – helping them to grow and get the best from their role, so they can become the people they want to be. 

Managing the people process 

It’s important to remember that your people are your greatest asset, so the way you manage them from the outset is really important. 

When you bring a new person on board, making sure that you have the right person for the job is a two-way street. Because while you need to make sure they’re clear on your expectations, you also need to be clear on what theirexpectations are too. That way, both your needs can be met.

The employee journey

Like every journey, your employee journey has a beginning, middle and end, and each step is equally important. 

Having a really great joining experience sets a positive tone right from the start of someone’s employment. Have systems in place to help every new team member feel really welcome, and make sure they know what they’re doing and where they can find everything, so they feel confident to dive right in.

Having regular check-ins with all your people (no matter how long they’ve been with your business) goes a long way to helping them feel seen, heard and valued. Staying in conversation helps you to know how they are doing, if they’re happy and what can be done if they’re not.

When one of your team decides to move on to pastures new, it’s so important to wrap up their time with your business in a fair and respectful way, including receiving important feedback from them. You’d be amazed the positive impact this has, not only for them, but for the reputation of your business as well. They’ll remember you as a great employer, and if a friend or colleague asks them if they should work for you, there’ll be no hesitation in them saying yes.

Creating a great employee journey will mean that people stay with you longer and even help others to come on board and work for you too. 

Collaboration and consideration 

The people dynamic in business isn’t just about your direct team. This extends to other businesses, your neighbours, your community and most importantly of all, your loved ones. 

True networking 

Think of ways that you can network with and mutually support businesses around you. And when I say network here I mean in the truest sense of the word, not just the arranged networking meetings. How can you help each other’s businesses thrive, what recommendations can you give and can you put business each other’s way? 

Collaborate

What complementary businesses can you collaborate with? For example, if you’re a software company do you know a web developer who might recommend your products for websites they’re building? Or if you’re a web developer, is there a graphic designer you can recommend? 

Be considerate 

It’s so important not to be blinkered when it comes to considering those around you. Being a good and thoughtful neighbour goes a long way to keeping day-to-day life as harmonious as possible for all. As an example: if you’re a drum teacher, be considerate of the meditation teacher next door! Make it a priority to communicate and do your best to agree working hours together so you’re able to cohabit.

Be community-minded 

Be mindful of the impact your business has on the community around you – no one should have to live near a business that’s inconsiderate. So, make sure the outside spaces of your business are kept clean and tidy and consider things like parking so that your team aren’t selfishly monopolising the area.

Consider your loved ones

Most importantly of all, consider your loved ones. In all honesty they should be at the top of this list because they’re the most important people in your life. When you’re pouring all of yourself into your business, it’s those you love the most that bear the brunt of it. 

It’s so important to make time and space for them and their goals and dreams as well. Business success means nothing if you turn around one day and realise you’ve lost everyone and everything around you to achieve it. 
At Grant-Jones we make people our priority in the ways that we work and the services we offer. If you’d like to find out how we do this and why we’re not your average accountant give us a call.