Step Up?

A term used very often in trying to describe what an employee needs to do to get to the next level. Step up what? What is the next level? How do I complete one to get to the other? I just read a blog post on Brand Directions by Tom Moradpour (@TomMoradpour) titled ‘Why Annual Performance Reviews Suck And How Gaming Can Fix Them’. I agree with his points and especially that the regular annual performance review is outdated. These reviews do nothing to answer the aforementioned questions.

However before we go out and reconfigure and redesign our performance reviews one thing needs to be accomplished – employee comprehension. Comprehension of what you ask? Comprehension of their role, how it affects others, where their role leads and what it is they actually need to do to achieve growth. Up until this point the onus for this has fallen on the employer. Well it’s time to step up and I’m not talking about employers!

If an employer asks an employee what their role is and what they have to do to help the company reach its goals, they will probably be met with a blank stare. At best they will be given a vague statement. Not good. So employees here it is, step it up and take the reins on your career. Find out what your role is and exactly what it is you need to do. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, clarification of your path is essential. Don’t wait for your annual review; ask for feedback throughout the year on your results. Be sure you and your employer both understand what is expected of each other.

As with any relationship it is communication and understanding that leads to harmony. This is no different for working relationships. I am willing to bet that well understood expectations will itself help bring about better performance reviews.

Employers: Don’t build a review and work down. Start from the bottom and work towards a review.

Employees: Are you ready to step up?

In The Weeds?

A common problem among many growing businesses is getting caught in the task rut. With business steadily coming in it is easy to get consumed in those tasks that are necessary to get the job done. Being caught in the weeds as many call it can cause your business to plateau and not realize the potential growth opportunities that exist. Many companies become growth addicted and feel that a year with no growth is essentially a loss. So they forge ahead bringing in even more business which comes with even more work. Now they are not just caught in the weeds they are lost in them.

The problem starts when the tasks run the business instead of the business running the tasks. In busy times operational processes tend to be thrown aside in order to get the work done. This can lead to a chaotic work place which can disengage even the best employees. The following are a few ideas which can be implemented to keep the company from becoming a stagnant loss.

1. Have a Plan.

Plan where you want to be in 1, 3 and 5 years time with your business. In identifying this you can recognize those operational needs and changes which will be necessary to keep growth moving smoothly.

2. Review Processes.

Be sure to regularly review your operational processes. Over time they need to evolve with the business.

3.Slow Down in Order to Speed Up.

When the business has plateaued there is a good chance something needs to change, The type of change and how it is to be implemented cannot be understood when you are buried in tasks.

4. Transparency.

Be transparent with your employees. Let them know where the company stands presently and show them where you want the company to be. Having everyone on board is the only way real change can be accomplished.

5. Have the Uncomfortable Conversations.

Everyone in business recognizes that you cannot avoid these. Whether it is dealing with an under-performing employee or challenging a client, these conversations tend to be pushed aside in busy times.

6. Evaluate and Adjust.

Just because you develop a great strategic plan to get to point B, it does not mean this plan will get you there, The best plans involve periodic evaluations of progress and subsequent evolutions of various plan executions.

7. Baby Steps.

Some plans never see the light of day because their creators are too worried with drafting the complete and concise strategy. Start with small wins and build from there,

Keep these in mind to help your company stay on the upward swing on the growth curve.