When Your Dream Team Starts Feeling Like a Nightmare

Picture this: You started your business because you loved the idea, right? But then, as things got rolling, you realized you couldn’t do it all alone. So, you hired some folks. And now, instead of doing what you love, you’re stuck playing referee in office spats, acting like a therapist for personal problems, and missing the good old days when running your business was actually fun. Sound familiar?

Back in 2008, we wrote about this very challenge in our article I Hate My Employees. It was clear even then that managing a team often becomes the trickiest part of the gig for a lot of small business owners.

Here’s the scoop on turning things around:

Getting Back to Basics: First things first, you gotta have the right people on board. That means folks who really get what you’re trying to do, have the skills you need, and are all in on making things better every day.

The Right Fit: Early on, you need people willing to wear many hats – those who can dive in wherever needed. But as you grow, you might need folks with specific skills – like someone who knows the ins and outs of finance or a marketing wizard.

Setting the Stage: Remember, even though your team might feel like family, there comes a time when you’ve got to draw the line between personal and professional. This doesn’t mean you stop caring, but the business’s needs have to come first.

Seeing the Signs: If tasks are slipping through the cracks or there’s a lot of "I’ll do it tomorrow" going around, it’s a red flag. It might mean your team isn’t as on board as they need to be or they’re not playing to their strengths.

Time for a Chat: Sometimes, the best way to figure out what’s up is to ask. Have your team jot down what they do, what’s easy, what’s tough, and where they think they could use some extra know-how. It’ll give you a clear picture of whether everyone’s on the same page.

Embrace Change: When it’s time for a shake-up, you’ll see different reactions. Some folks will jump right in, others will wait and see, and a few might dig their heels in. Your job is to make it clear that change is happening, no ifs, ands, or buts.

Laying Down the Law: Work time is for work. It’s cool to take breaks, but the focus should be on getting the job done and doing it well. No more personal calls or endless web surfing on the clock.

Spotting the Stars: Look out for team members who really get it. They’re the ones who come ready to crush it every day, own up to mistakes, and always ask, “What’s next?”

If you find that not everyone is making the cut, it’s tough, but you might have to say goodbye. Do it with respect, but remember, you’re the one calling the shots.

Final Word: Revisiting our original article from 2008, it's clear that building a dream team means making some tough calls, but it’s all about creating a squad that’s as passionate about your business as you are. Let’s get back to loving what we do, with the right people by our side.

Ready to Turn Your Team Around? Let’s Chat.

Feeling like your dream team has turned into a bit of a nightmare? You’re not alone. Transforming your team dynamics isn’t just possible; it’s essential for getting back to loving what you do. If you’re ready to make some changes but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help.

Book a time to chat with us at Strategy Leaders. We’ll dive into your specific challenges and start sketching out a game plan tailored just for you and your team. Together, we can build a workplace where everyone’s aligned, motivated, and passionate about pushing the business forward.

Don’t let team troubles dim your entrepreneurial spirit. Click here to schedule your session and take the first step toward reigniting the fun and fulfillment in your business journey.