The dangers of delay

A spot of good weather puts people in a better frame of mind. Or so you would think. But for some, the storm clouds are gathering.

The hassle of putting in place contracts, handbooks and a performance management (appraisal) system seemed like a waste of time and money to the owner of one small business. So it was for years; until big changes were needed.

After much procrastination, finally the business owner has accepted the inevitability of the need to act. He has finally ‘done the deed’

Now there’s a situation which nobody wanted. The now ex-employees of many years standing are stunned. Those still employed in the business are also stunned. But being stunned doesn’t last long. Soon a different set of emotions kick in.

Advice for the ex-employees comes from all quarters; most of it anecdotal; and most of it incorrect. How it will end is anyone’s guess. In all probability some solicitors will have a field day; on both sides. And could it have been avoided? Without a doubt; yes.

You couldn’t play a game of football or golf; or even hide-and-seek without rules. And these are things we have done for fun throughout our lives! So why do some owners and MDs allow their business, their very bread and butter, to wander along in the hope the sun will never stop shining?

My best guess (because I’ve never really fathomed it out) is a natural desire to follow the path of least resistance. ‘We don’t need a ‘rile-book’ - we use common sense and goodwill. We’ll never fall out. We’re all one big happy family here you know’. I’ve been told something like that more times than I can count. Often by a boss with a confused, almost hurt, look on his or her face.

But agreeing how you are all going to work together to achieve your business’ goals is the sensible thing to do. How else can you be sure that everyone is on your wavelength? How else can you be sure the business will be in good fettle in years to come, when you might want to sell or pass it on to your family?

Don’t leave things to chance; there’s just too much that go wrong. And you probably won’t know the wheels are coming off until a crash is unavoidable.

If you’re not sure where to start, or don’t fancy having maybe difficult conversations without some expert advice, then get in touch. Email me barry@barryelliott.biz  Find out more by visiting my website www.thebusinessandmanagementcoach.co.uk