Congratulations. You’ve reached a milestone that many business owners dream of. Not only have you hired employees to help you complete everyday tasks, but now you need to hire or work with existing management to take your business to the next level.
The need for more employees indicates positive growth. But over time, a growing staff and expanding business can also mean you have less time to do the things that matter. That’s particularly true when it comes to developing strategies, managing that staff, and handling everyday operational tasks.
Depending on where you are in your staffing efforts, you may need to level-up your management different. The first four tips will help you attract and hire the best management candidates. The latter will help you work with your existing staff to reach your goals.
Leveling Up with New Hires and Internal Promotions
Look to your existing staff
Learning the ins and outs of a company can take months if not years, but in many cases, a fundamental understanding of a company is required for a manager to really dig their feet in and get the work done. In addition, promoting from within your company can also send out a positive message that opportunities for growth are available and hard work is noticed.
Look for good leaders
It’s easy to assume that the best person for the job is the one with the best relevant experience. For example, the best manager for your wine shop would be an experienced sommelier. Experience in wine culture is likely an important trait to have, but it may not be the most important one.
Instead, you may want to look for management candidates that have experience in just that – management. Though it may be important for your managers to have tangential experience in a specific field, ideally, you’ll want to hire those who also have a track record of leadership and strong communication skills.
Prioritize
Leveling up your management team requires working cash flow. You will, after all, be adding a new salary to the budget. It may not be possible to scale up as quickly as you like. If that’s the case, then it’s important to determine what aspect of your business will benefit most from management advancements.
The answer to that question will depend on a variety of factors, like existing employees, current pain points, the available talent pool, and your long-term growth strategies.
Build your company culture
If you want top-level management, then you need to have a company culture that attracts them. If your employees are happy and the workplace environment is one that encourages productivity, engagement, and positivity, then you’re on the right track. If not, then you likely have work to do.
Hiring and training management can be an expensive endeavor, but the right candidate and a solid environment can make it an investment with a strong return. The opposite will make it hard for you to retain talent.
Leveling Up Existing Management
Set goals and recognize achievement
There are two parts to being a manager: handling the everyday tasks and obligations of the position and working to expand and grow the company. Over time, even the best managers can fall into a rut, and that stagnation can impact job performance.
Working with your management team to set attainable goals and recognizing their efforts and success will not only help them feel more valued and productive but it will also have a positive impact on your business, from staff member to realized revenue.
Offer opportunities for growth
The best business owners recognize that there is always room for growth. The same is true for good managers. By providing them with the opportunity to improve their skills, they become more engaged and your business benefits from improved skills and new insights.
New responsibilities, strong mentoring, and workplace educational opportunities, like seminars, conferences, or job-related courses, can provide ongoing opportunities to hone existing skills and obtain new ones.
Trust them
Your management team won’t grow if you’re constantly holding their hand, micromanaging, or refusing to delegate appropriate tasks. It’s hard to step back and let your management team do their job, especially if you’re typically a hands-on boss. However, failure to do so can prevent good managers from becoming great managers.
Plus, what’s the point of hiring a management team if you plan to directly insert yourself in every move they make. Doing so makes even more work for you and turns an otherwise wise hiring strategy into one that’s largely ineffective.
Similarly, trusting them also means limiting the number of solutions you provide and empowering them to make the important problem-solving decisions. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to offer them mentorship and assistance as they work through those decisions.
Leveling up your management team will make it possible for your business to flourish. It will also give you the time and mental capacity to further develop your business.
Whether it’s hiring new managers, promoting existing employees, or working with your existing management staff, taking your management team to the next level can do more than just ensure your vision is realized. It can also help you uncover new and existing opportunities and create an even bright future for your business.
This article was originally written on May 24, 2019 and updated on June 5, 2019.
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