Are you in constant firefighter mode?
I know this is not a foreign question for you as a business owner. Nowadays, the stress of owning a business is high and the tasks each day mount.
And I bet you even plan out the day sometimes, yet something happens and you are back in putting out fires.
That is a common theme I get from my clients. And I get it. But just remember 1 important thing…
Firefighters are not constantly battling fires ALL day. Most of the time, they are in the firehouse or training. (At least that is what I am assuming.) When they have to go on a call, that is when they may be putting out a fire depending on the false alarms they probably frequently have.
You get my point… You cant be in firefighter mode if you constantly spend all the hours in your day putting out fires… Even THEY don’t do that!?
That pace is unsustainable and you will get burnt out. (Appropriate choice of words, don’t you think?)
How about doing some fire prevention like Smokey the Bear says. (OK, I need to stop with these fire analogies!)
Ask yourself the following:
These 5 questions will probably reveal a TON. The results probably have to do with the existing systems or a lack of systems.?
Let me guess.. I bet clients are involved too…correct? You may have to look at ways the client can be put in a better position as well.?
Start with ONE fire area at a time. I have a feeling you will find more than one. Put the focus on ONE issue and get that completely solved. THEN move onto the next one.
The key is to fix the problems BEFORE they start.
So put down the axe and pick up the clipboard and map it out!?
Remember…only YOU can prevent forest fires… (I HAD to say that!)
If you want to see more information or potential next steps, check out my website at GoalsToResults.com or?click here.
PR, Marketing, Podcast, E-newsletter, Content Development, Speaker Bureau, LinkedIn Sales Funnel, Social Media
3 年Dennis Riley Good concept. Hot take.
Growth Strategist | HR Tech & Outsourcing | PEO
3 年Dennis, I like "Are the right people doing the right jobs?". I find that challenge when roles aren't properly defined. Or when onboarding a new client from sales to customer service.
HR Business Partner | Employer Benefits | Compliance | HR Technology | Employee Engagement
3 年I really enjoyed this post (and all the fire analogies), Dennis Riley. It's a great reminder that while putting out fires is part of running a business, business owners shouldn't be spending all of their time doing so. I thought the questions you outlined in the article are a great guide for getting to the root of the problem.
Trusted HR Partner | SHRM-SCP Certified | Director of Sponsorships, LEGS NJ | Connector & Change Champion | Helping businesses align people and strategy for transformational success. Team Parent | Class Parent
3 年Great five questions Dennis Riley. I see a lot of business owners right now in firefighter mode and in burnout!
Public Relations, Marketing, and Branding Specialist. Content Creator, Writer, and Editor.
3 年Excellent tips here. My very first boss used to love to say, "We're gonna go out of business if I'm putting out fires all day. This is a lumberyard."