When They Go… The SYSTEM works!

October 20, 2007 | Employees & Contractors, Hiring & Firing, Process Design, Systemizing | Sandye

Thoughts from Sandye Linnetz, Systems Goddess, Process Prodigy

When someone is fired, retires, takes a leave of absence or quits working at your company, STRESS comes knocking. You spend time, energy and money to make the exit smooth and trouble free. You and your team can end up overworked and frustrated OR the transition can be smooth and relatively easy. It all depends on the system you have in place to handle the exit and the aftermath.

As always, design and depend on a system that allows you to handle the situation in a clear, effective manner… with rules in place for what to do and who should do it. Plan for the unexpected and never be taken by surprise. Plan ahead and never lose time when a decision has to be made. A system, in place, creates clarity and order at a time when chaos could otherwise rule. When you have developed and implemented an effective system for “loss” of an employee, you will not have the added stress of “winging it” each time someone quits, retires, gets fired or takes a leave of absence.

Here are the three main questions to ask yourself when designing any system for your company:

1. WHAT’S MY CURRENT SITUATION? WHERE AM I?
Assess who is currently doing what… and how that works. How do you currently handle employee “loss”? What works well? What doesn’t work? Who does what? How do they do it? Evaluate the current system – if there is one – and work from there. Of course, everything should be in writing and ready to share.

2. WHAT SHOULD IT BE LIKE? WHERE AM I GOING?
What results do you need/want in order to continue to operate effectively and fill any void? In a “perfect world” what should the disruption level be? What is the end result you are seeking? Smooth transition?

3. HOW AM I GOING TO GET THERE?
What is your “game plan” to roll with the changes and end up in even better shape than you were before the loss? Who should be in on decision making? What decisions need to be made? What is the follow-up and who is responsible for it? Who will pick up the slack? What support will be needed? How will you evaluate your success?

Brush off the flow chart, uncap that felt tip pen and get to work! First design the plan. Share it with everyone on the staff… get the team to work together and see “how this will be done”. This is your blueprint for success… it can be easily followed by anyone on the team – even revised, if necessary. Create a system today and survive a “loss” tomorrow.

© 2007 Beth Schneider.
Want to reprint this article? Feel free as long as you include the following: “Beth Schneider, Chief Infopreneur of Process Prodigy, is a business process consultant who helps solo-entrepreneurs, small business owners and network marketers who want to systemize their business to increase profits, increase productivity and grow their business without having to give up the family oriented, flexible, balanced lifestyle they desire. Beth works one-on-one with her clients, offers home study courses, and teleclass boot camps. For more information visit www.processprodigy.com and sign up for your FREE 5-Step Process Starter Kit and FREE Process Tips. Also, visit Process Prodigy’s family sites www.YourBusinessMachineBasics.com and www.MadeItToAMillion.com

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