If you’re like me, you’re a quick starter and all too many times you’ve found yourself starting initiatives and delegating responsibility all in the same motion. Part of having a staff that understands your strategic vision involves giving directions that are digestible. In other words, you probably pick up on concepts, buzzwords, and jargon at an above-average pace, then attempt to regurgitate them to your staff ASAP.
It’s incredibly difficult to implement large projects on the fly, especially when you and your staff are juggling multiple projects. Doing so requires laying out your strategic plans, prioritizing objectives, setting realistic time tables for each, and measuring progress at regular intervals.
Remember, as an entrepreneurial quick-start, you may have a severe disconnect when it comes to communicating with your staff. They may misinterpret your suggestions and observations as set-in-stone edicts that must be carried out immediately. This can leave them clamoring to rearrange priorities as you get back to work, unknowingly leaving a wake behind you.
If you’re not “geared” toward breaking down these grand ideas into actionable tasks and assigning them appropriately (think baby birds), consider delegating to a member or members of your team who are and focus your time with staff on building their confidence, understanding what obstacles they face, and entertaining questions about the principles behind your decisions, and offering feedback.
As an advisor, coach and local leader, Jeremy Overton has spent the last 12 years educating and motivating individuals, families, and business owners who are interested in having a greater impact on their communities, the people they love, and the causes they support. You can connect with him on: Google+