If you can step away and your operation still runs like clockwork, you’re doing things right.
One lesson I learned as a leader is that the first and foremost step is getting the right people on board. Look for the individuals with a great attitude and a desire to excel. Don’t just hire for skills; hire for reliability and the willingness to be great. Once you have your team, clarity and training become your best friends. Clearly define your expectations, provide thorough training, and ensure everyone knows their role inside out.
Your team should be so well-prepared that they don’t even notice when you’re not around. How do you achieve that? Treat them well, respect them, and foster an environment where they can make decisions confidently. If they dread seeing you at the office or feel they can’t function without your input, something’s off. It’s likely because of the way you’re managing and training them.
Processes, procedures, and guidelines are your secret weapons. Think of them as your operation’s cookbook. Give your team a solid recipe to follow, and they won’t skip a beat. Checklists are invaluable, ensuring the essential tasks are completed even in your absence.
Remember, our job as leaders isn’t to do the work ourselves but to ensure that the work gets done through others. When you trust and empower your team, you can step away, take a vacation, and know everything will be just fine.
So, hire right, train right, and treat your people right. Get those processes in place, and watch your operation thrive, even when you’re not there. Now, isn’t that magical?
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Notable Moments
01:32 Hire reliable, well-trained people with good attitudes.
05:50 Train employees for independent, confident work.
07:13 Empower staff to operate independently and efficiently.