By Lila Casper, CPA
Senior, Audit & Assurance Services
[email protected]
It’s easy to get lost in the daily grind, especially as the holidays sneak up on us. We focus so much on getting through the work week that we lose sight of the big picture. Is your business prepared for 2020? Is your business prepared in general? What new skills have you added?
Inventor Alexander Graham Bell said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” Preparation isn’t only important for the upcoming year, but your long-term success is dependent on a skilled workforce. With the technological changes we are experiencing, you and your workforce cannot stand still.
A company should be a continuous learning environment, a “classroom” that encourages constant growth. With the ebb and flow of the marketplace along with ever-evolving technology changing the way we do business, we need to specifically allocate time toward improving our collective skills bank. Oftentimes that will require you to actually enroll in a specific training course … in a classroom for learning. You would be foregoing a productive labor “hour” today for long-term success.
If you haven’t spent time in skill building this year, you must add this to your 2020 operating plan and budget. What are your team’s major areas of weakness? What skills do your competitors have that are superior to yours? What kind of skill improvement programs should you develop?
Make it fun by turning team-building exercises into opportunities for company outings! Take your crew to an escape room or a gaming and entertainment center. This will go a long way in boosting employee morale, retaining talent and unlocking the creativity gene they didn’t know they possess.
Another good way to retain talent is to make sure you are helping your team members reach their professional goals. Lend a hand in plotting their career development. They should envision their employment as a “Career Path” and not just a J-O-B!
Encourage them to sharpen their skills and keep improving, and be willing to fund their training costs. Team members appreciate leaders who truly care and advocate for their employees. Taking the time to invest in your team members’ professional lives will pay off for your business.
As Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Hit the “books,” so to speak, learn new skills and spend quality time in building your own personal skills and the skillset of your employees to realize a successful business result.
If we can assist you further with achieving success in your business or personal affairs, please contact Lila Casper at (317) 613-7860 or email [email protected].