[powerpress]
You are your own boss. That’s very cool, right? Well, it sounded appealing until now you feel like you are totally overwhelmed, you don’t know what you should be doing on a daily basis, and most days you feel like crying. My goal today is to give you some clarity. I had this boss/employee conversation with three clients this past week and they found it so helpful that I knew I needed to share it with all of you.
What does it mean to be your own boss? It means simply that you are both the boss, and the employee. You need to split the roles, and split the job responsibilities. You can’t be both at the same time. Let’s face it, bosses always want the employees to work, and the employee just wants to go hang out. This is why you are always torn.
First, we will break down the job responsibilities of each. Next, we will talk about the keys to success as the boss, and then the keys for the employee role. This will give you enough clarity to move forward. Last, we will talk about what to do if you are a terrible boss, or have no experience in this role.
For this analogy, I’m going to go back to my Blockbuster Video days where there were clear lines.
The role of the boss:
- Set the vision and goals for the business
- Make the schedule
- Invest in the professional development of the staff
- Manage the expenses
- Keep the employee from feeling overwhelmed
How are you doing in the role of the boss? Are you doing those things, consistently? Did you make a schedule? Or, should you be fired? You might think that your business would be doing way better if you could just get more contacts, or more builders. But first, look at your leadership because that is what you can control. Do your job responsibilities of the boss.
The role of the employee:
- Show up on time, per the schedule
- Do the things on the schedule to the best of your ability
- Stay off Facebook or texting your friend when you are supposed to be working
- If the job doesn’t get done in the time allotted, you are going to have to stay late so make sure you hustle during your shift
That’s it. Are you showing up on time? Are you working when you are scheduled to work? If not, should you be fired? Think about how employees make money. They show up every day they are supposed to, on time, and work during their shift. When they aren’t scheduled, they shouldn’t be working. In fact, it would be weird and suspect if they showed up to work on a Sunday. If you simply show up to work every day and be on time, even if you are of average skill, you will earn raises. If you do it long enough, you will get promoted.
The key to success in managing these roles is separation. Once the schedule and the goals for the week are set in motion, just execute until next week comes around. The employee is not allowed to question the strategy in the middle of the shift. It needs to come up during a staff meeting or at a more appropriate time. The boss should not be changing the schedule at the last minute, that really messes with the employee’s head.
Be a kind boss. Say nice things to your employee. Encourage her. Invest in her development and allow her to learn from her mistakes. Don’t overwork her just because you can. Give her clarity and direction.
Be a good employee, the one that gives your boss a sparkle in her eye. Be trustworthy and competent. Never take advantage of your boss’ good grace.
It starts with leadership. I’m going to challenge you right now to take the first step as a good boss. Set the schedule and the goals for the week.
If this is overwhelming to you, or you know you need to be challenged, consider outsourcing your “bossing.” If you know deep down that your goals exceed your ability to be a great boss of yourself, consider how coaching will help you with this. One of the old adages of successful business is that if you aren’t good at something, outsource it. Learn more about coaching at emergesalestraining.com/coachme.
Thanks for listening today. Good luck in your roles for the week. Talk to you next week.
Tasha