Do you recognize yourself in this list? If so, consider whether a minor change in habits could make a major difference in productivity. The goal is not to change your personality, but to recognize how perceptions can differ from reality and work with your staff more effectively.
The “Mental Telepathy” agent assumes that what is in his head must be in staffs heads, too. He gets frustrated when his staff cant read his mind.
Suggestions: Establish and follow communication procedures: dictation, voice mail, e-mail. Regular staff meetings also promote communication. Develop your mind reading abilities by working with clients and making sales.
The “Dump and Run” agent shows up in the office, explains 8 hours of work in 21/2 minutes, and then promptly disappears before staff can ask any questions or get clarification; expects work to be completed when she returns.
Suggestions: Recognize that staff members need some of your time in order to be able to do their jobs. Establish a system for communication; spend five minutes allowing staff to clarify assignments. Try a routine schedule of “checking in” phone calls. Staff meetings will also provide communication opportunities.
The “Perfectionist” agent is so caught up in everything being perfect; there is no room for mistakesEVER! That rule only applies to staff, however.
Suggestions: Stop trying to find the perfect assistant; none exist. Recognize that mistakes will be made and turn them into learning experiences instead of stress-inducing ones. Lighten up, let the staff be human, and concentrate on making perfect sales calls.
The “Sticky Fingers” agent must maintain control of every aspect of the business; no task is complete unless the agent is involved on some level. The agent delegates to staff, but then micro-manages every aspect of the assignment. No one can do the task as well as this agent.