Running a business is stressful, especially when inevitable issues arise, as part of the business procedure. Being the leader, you already know this, but what you may not know about minor problems in your business structure, which might continuously grow if not dealt with quickly. Here is a metaphor to remember; your company’s structure is like a building structure, where if there is an issue on any level, then the rest of the building will be affected. That is why you should address these problems as soon as you can, to ensure that your business structure does not degrade.
Team Stability
There is the need for team stability when addressing problems in the workplace. Your employees should be acknowledged when they voice a problem, and they should feel like they have been heard. Common employee problems include difficult team members who are not doing their part. If one of your workers reports that a co-worker is not doing their job, address the worker in question, while not mentioning the other worker, keeping their name anonymous. Be discreet but effective.
Communication Issues
Another problem that may arise is in your company’s documentation. From spelling mistakes to unclear meanings, always review your copy prints and content you plan on distributing. A significant problem that can arise is cluttered print or if it is too wordy. Always bear that in mind. Another issue can be graphic designs or symbols that some people might take offense to. One example can be seen with ‘Dirty Bird’ catering company in Wales, in which people found the image inappropriate; a second example that elaborates a confusing logo is Corsair Games, in which the logo misleads people in thinking it was a tattoo shop. Always be clear and considerate with graphic designing, and find the correct solution to the issue.
Customer Problems
Make sure your business addresses any issues with customers effectively and quickly, to maintain their loyalty. The most crucial aspect to remind yourself here is that customers are the main support of your business, all depending on the products and services. Having constant customers is all part of their loyalty and reflects on your company reputation. If a customer is not pleased with your service or product, this is an important problem that you, as the head of the company, should make sure is addressed with. Depending on your situation and availability, you may meet the customer yourself or have a loyal employee do it. A side note here is that a customer’s criticism is a form of feedback to find your mistakes and make sure they do not happen again. Obtain a critical insight into what your customers want, and you can conduct phone surveys to find out what customers expect from your business. Their expectations are important for your business to thrive and the more you learn about your customers, the better reputation you receive from the public, as well as the reassurance that your business will continue to grow.
The methods to address common problems have been mentioned above, but as the leader, it is ultimately up to you to decide what the solution can be. Your understanding of basic fundamentals of business is what helped you become a boss, and you can use these fundamentals to reflect on potential issues. You being the person in charge is the whole reason on which both customers and workers look up to you for problem-solving. And always remember, you can still improve your problem-solving skills through online help or self-help business courses.
Babak Eslami | Staff Writer
