Scaling a business is no easy feat, as it requires well-thought strategies, new resources and team members, and a wide range of processes to make the organization tick as it should.
In the last 25 years or so, small businesses in the US have generated about 13 million new jobs. But the reality is that – whether big or small – not all companies manage to scale successfully, with common mistakes being attempting to grow too fast, overlooking systems to drive efficiency, and hiring new people just for the sake of it.
That said, don’t let this statistic put you off. In an ever-changing working environment, what steps can you take to evolve your organization in a balanced, efficient way?
Here, Dominic Fitch, Head of Creative Change at Impact, a world-class expert in leadership development, looks at useful tips for companies hoping to expand their teams and offerings.
Set out roles and responsibilities
As your business and teams enlarge, it is only natural for roles and responsibilities to shift, too.
Of course, in smaller teams of two or three people, keeping an eye on everybody’s duties is more manageable. But as the headcount increases, it can be tricky to determine on a daily basis what each team member should do.
In this respect, clearly defining expectations from the off, as well as everyone’s individual responsibilities, is crucial when scaling your team.
As more people join the business, roles can get muddled up, and employees might not be aware of who’s doing what. Not only does this have an impact on the efficiency of your people, but it can also add unnecessary stress and cause burnout.
So, as your company undergoes a period of change, it’s crucial to inform your employees about what they are responsible for. This will help them feel more confident about their skills, allowing them to crack on with their tasks without wondering what exactly they should be doing.
Should there be hiccups along the way, let your people know it is not the end of the world. Scaling your business is all about stumbling and making mistakes together while also identifying ways to work through those new challenges and processes.
Invest in tech and automate admin tasks
It has been found that, on average, workers spend about 40% of their workday dealing with digital admin processes. This is a fair chunk of time which, instead, could be dedicated to more productive, stimulating tasks.
Investing in technology to help automate repeatable processes, such as appointment scheduling and payroll preparation, can give you a massive hand when scaling your business. As well as saving precious time to focus on duties that require more thought and attention, it can also ensure that employees are taking full advantage of their skills and talent.
What’s more, tech tools can allow you to keep up to speed with trends in the world of business. Surveys show that 98% of US workers want to work remotely at least some of the time. Technology provides the perfect platforms for your people to carry out their jobs from the comfort of their own homes.
In addition to offering further flexibility to your growing workforce, technology allows you to hire remote part-timers or freelancers and create a talent pool of people who can chip in when required.
Hire sensibly
As you look to add more people to your organization in a short space of time, it is easy to fall into the temptation to prioritize quantity over quality. But when it comes to hiring new team members, there is nothing worse than bringing in people who – for whatever reason – are simply not the right fit for the role.
In fact, a ‘bad’ hire can slow down the development of a potentially efficient team while delaying the overall growth of your business.
There are many aspects that, through no fault of their own, make a person not the perfect candidate for a company. Some may not have the relevant experience or skills, whereas others may not have the personality to suit a specific position or match the workplace culture.
So, even though you need to increase your team urgently, don’t rush the hiring process. Instead, ensure you employ someone who ticks all the right boxes. With the right talent on board, you will be able to sail through your scaling period and reach the goals you’ve set.
Don’t forget to nurture your company culture
When your team gets bigger, it is only natural for your employees to feel a bit lost in all the shuffle. With plenty of new connections to make, as well as shifting work responsibilities, change can have an impact on their confidence and morale.
As a business owner or manager, it is important to recognise that your people might find it challenging to adapt at first. In fact, stepping outside one’s comfort zone can be overwhelming, and it is easy to focus on the negative side of changes rather than on its possible benefits.
To limit the detrimental effects on their wellbeing, make sure your employees feel seen and supported at all times. Show appreciation for their hard work and reward people for their efforts, whether in team catch-ups or private one-to-one sessions.
Also, organize team-building activities that can get new and existing colleagues to know each other better, as it will help form stronger relationships and learn each other’s skills and strengths.
In short, don’t forget to nurture your company culture. Share your ideas and best practices with your recruits and remind your existing team about the business’ values to ensure everyone’s on the same page.
With a happy, motivated, and appreciated workforce, you can truly drive your company forward and successfully nail your scaling goals.
Sources
https://advocacy.sba.gov/2022/
https://www.verywellmind.com/
https://www.forbes.com/
https://openup.com/blog/how-
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