If you are a part of the human race, more than likely you have struggled at some point or another with relationships. If you are a business owner I think it’s safe to say you have dealt with your fair share of issues, either with employees, clients, or both.
Sometimes, no matter what you do and how hard you try, miscommunication happens and things can go south. There are, however, some fundamental ways you can work to make the environment of your business a cut above the rest.
To help you remember, I’ve given you a list of the 3 C’s.
- Communication
- Commitment
- Conviction
Communication
Small business is no picnic. Often job titles and responsibilities ebb and flow like the tide; expanding, evolving, revolving. Stress can overcome even the most practical and steady of personalities, leading to burnout and then breakdown.
Good and healthy communication really cannot be overvalued.
It’s important, though, to establish guidelines within the workplace where concerns and problems can be brought to the table in a respectful way. As we all know, not all communication is good communication. Take some time to think through what healthy communication looks like in your business and then write them out. These are important steps to prepare for growth and expansion.
Once guidelines have been established, find ways to make yourself available to your staff. Give a time and space where employees can feel freedom to come to you with issues. Maybe it’s a window of time after a staff meeting. Maybe it’s having your office door open instead of closed.
Whatever it needs to look like for you, make the time to invest in good communication.
Commitment
Unlike in a huge corporation, in small business you often get to know your employees on a personal level. As a business owner, it is important to commit to a healthy vision of the big picture.
By that I mean that investment in people should take priority over just being there to make money.
Yes, money is essential to live in this world. Yes, it’s wonderful when your business makes enough money to pay its bills, its employees, and you as its owner.
What is more lasting than money, though?
You guessed it. Relationships.
That’s why the commitment to value people over money makes for a truly great business. By investing in your people you are changing lives. By investing in people you are actually investing in the longevity of your company. You’re encouraging loyalty, which is an undervalued character trait these days.
Conviction
As a business owner you must have convictions. These are the foundation on which you build your company because they shape the way you relate to your employees and customers. Your vision and ethics matter because you, as the owner, have the responsibility to lead well.
- Treating people with kindness and respect
- Being willing to invest in your employees so that you leave a legacy in them that can change generations to come
- Being willing to listen, not just to formulate an argument, but to actually hear and change course, if needed
- Valuing honesty and integrity
- Seeing potential in people more the potential to make a dollar
These are ways that a good business becomes great.
