Decisions, decisions

Last night at a business owners’ dinner meeting, the question was asked at our table….how has the economic climate affected your business and what would you do differently?  Great questions.  Everyone stated they had been affected the past couple of years in a variety of ways.  The really interesting answers were in response to “what would you do differently?”  All said they would have made decisions much sooner–several mentioned letting poor performers go sooner and others indicated they would have made deep cost cuts earlier.  Each had a story.  Over the years,  I have heard many of my clients tell me about marginal performers—-lousy enough to be a problem, but not painful enough to let go. Never have I heard a business owner say—-”gee, wish I’d waited longer before firing an employee!”  I know employees, managers, and business owners are weary from all the economic stress, challenges and daily decisions.  But, even in good times, employers will wait way too long before letting an employee go and making that tough decision.  The decision doesn’t get easier over time, and the problems, costs and angst are really not worth it in the long run.  As we move forward, we need to do so with a solid team, effective and efficient processes with clear direction toward defined goals.  If you have serious doubts about one of your employee’s performance, it’s time to make a decision.  Communicate honestly and clearly with that employee about what’s not working and what you need for both the company and the employee to succeed. Make a decision, take action and move forward…you can’t afford not to.