Some people do well in business because...

They put in a great deal of effort in planning - Marketing and a workable business development plan.
They work with their staff, not against them, either mindfully or unconsciously.
They find out what is going on at all levels, they set up systems and trust so that information filters up through the ranks as well as down through the ranks easily and without fear.
The allow people to take responsibility for their actions.
They assist their team to grow and develop in a range of ways.
They make the business an interesting place to be.
They reward their people, and not just with money!
They get advice on a wide range of issues to ensure that they are building a profitable business, both financially and intellectually.
They put off procrastination.
They get on with the task at hand and do not get 'bogged down' with small things, they do what it takes to get the ball rolling and keep it that way.

Easy to say, but how do you do it?

Some people will tell you that they are working so hard in their business that they will never have the time to implement this list of options, and probably will never take the time to read this article. Too busy. Some will also say, where would I begin, then dismiss the process and sideline the project indefinitely. In the scheme of things there are many ways to get the balance right, start with asking your staff questions about how your business is, and how to improve things. You will be pleasantly surprised by the positive and productive suggestions that the staff will make. It takes balance, a will to let go, persistence and the burning desire to make your business better.

Delegating - sharing the load

One of the hardest things for many business people is giving up on the notion that only they can do a job right. If this is the case then you may never employ anyone and see the whole process as futile. Yet for many they experience the joy of creating a team environment that works for the good of all concerned. For this reason, utilising staff to effectively share the load makes a great deal of sense.

You might start off with letting them know you have a set way of doing something, and until they develop a high degree of competency in this task that perhaps the task should still be done this way. Creating champions out of poor performers - encouraging leaders.

Some people look after the 'champions in their business' by forcing them out. Concerned that they are a threat to their position, a wise manager would do well to encourage this person and foster greater skills development, this way you will be noticed for supporting and nurturing rather than covering your backside.

With the right coach to nurture the players in a team the sky is the limit. One way to encourage your staff is to get the selection process right, and offer the staff effective methods of coaching so they can get on with the job under minimal supervision. Effective rewards other than money will assist the leaders in your team to blossom as well as give them valuable opportunities to lead others. There are many ways to learn how to be a leader and if someone shows potential, why waste them as a resource, know the strengths and weaknesses of your team.

Seeing the benefits

Imagine getting positive results, see your workers doing well, happy customers as a result and knowing, truly knowing that your business is growing due to its one real asset, the people. Without seeing or somehow sensing that your team can get results, they probably won't. So start looking. Working with people rather than against them makes a world of difference. So be a great business leader and take as much advice as you give, put a positive workable plan into action, and spur others on to do well for the good of everyone.

Details.

There are many points that could be added here to ensure your staff are performing at their peak and get results, for many managers this requires stretching themselves to develop a wider range of skills in people management. The old adage of 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks' may well be true, however in this instance we are working with people, not dogs.

In closing we could cite another quote that might just illustrate the point here. "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink" again very true, however if you could get it to swim, that might be of greater value!

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