Jon Forknell: 4 Ways Your Staff Is Wasting Your Time (And How It Might Be Your Fault)

Image courtesy of stockimages/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you’re constantly being interrupted by your staff or otherwise taken away from work you need to do, you’re likely quick to blame your staff. But here’s a news flash: it might actually be your own fault.

Here are four ways you might be encouraging your staff to waste your time.

They Ask a Lot of Questions About Their Tasks.
Tired of being bombarded with questions about how to use the cash register or check in guests? Point the blame back to yourself, especially if you didn’t do enough training when you first hired an employee.

Not only does properly training your staff cut down on those questions, it also helps better engage them and keep them at your company longer.

How to Fix It: Keep in mind that everyone learns at different speeds, and most won’t pick up a new skill as quickly as you would like, especially unskilled labor. Devote ample time to train on new equipment, and encourage questions as you go. Then give your employees the reins and let them have hands-on training to get the feel for their tasks. Be open to questions, but do your best to leave a new hire confident in her skills before you leave her side.

They Constantly Want to Change Their Schedules
Stop me if this sounds familiar: once you’ve made next week’s schedules, Kelli comes in (once again) and tells you she needs Friday off. So it’s back to the (schedule) drawing board.

How to Fix It: The fix is twofold: first, stop letting your employees walk all over you. Set up clear rules about when schedule requests have to be in, and stick to these rules. Any latecomers will not be able to get time off if you’ve already made the schedule. The second solution is to use employee scheduling software to make the task easier and instantly send your staff the schedule via text or email.

They Slack Off on the Job
Every time you enter your store, you find your staff lounging on the counter, checking Instagram. You’re not a babysitter, but how are you supposed to ensure they’re working when your back is turned?

How to Fix It: Just because you’re the business owner doesn’t necessarily make you the best candidate to be your employees’ boss. Consider investing in hiring a manager who can oversee your unruly staff and put your attentions back on running the business. Also stick to your guns about conduct rules and fire anyone who can’t follow them.

You’ve Got a Team of Chatty Cathys
You want your staff to like you, so you’re friendly with them. Problem is, they’re a little too friendly back. You’ve had your fill of Friday night party stories, and all the gossip is eating up your time.

How to Fix It: There’s a difference between being liked by your staff and being respected. You don’t really need the former. Maintain a professional distance with your employees so they understand that you’re the boss, and not the appropriate person to gab with.

Before you put the blame on your staff for wasting your time, look at your own actions and determine what changes you can make to remedy the situation.