While your business is in startup mode, your management “team” may consist of only one person: you. But as the company gains momentum, you’ll likely reach a point where you’ll have to relinquish control and trust someone else to oversee day-to-day operations. Otherwise, you’ll never have time to focus on growing the business.
So, how do you cultivate managers who will support your efforts and the organization’s culture? The Intuit Small Business Blog asked a few successful entrepreneurs and other experts to share their best practices.
Develop Existing Strengths
Kim Miller, president of InkLink Marketing, recommends recognizing your staff members’ strengths and encouraging them to develop in those areas.
“I identified one of my employees early in her career as a high-potential, high-growth candidate,” she says. “Initially, I spent a substantial amount of time with her, teaching her my way of doing things. However, as a millennial, her use of technology was far better than my own. I quickly realized that if I made her do everything my way, I would not only stifle her, but my business as well.”
Miller gave her employee a small budget and the freedom to improve the company’s social media presence. Miller also helped pay for the employee to earn a master’s degree. The employee now manages all of InkLink’s digital campaigns and develops social media promotions for clients.
“As small-business owners, we cannot do it all,” Miller admits. “The sooner we realize it, the better. Spending the time in vetting candidates who have the raw skills we need — or better yet, the skills that complement our own — the faster we can grow our practices.”