How To Put Out Work Fires
Do you find yourself continually being the go-between with your staff and vendors or contractors? Do you ever wonder how to put out work fires so they don’t reignite and so everyone can move forward? If the fires are between what your company and staff are delivering and customer expectations, the fires need to be extinguished and new ground planted.
Here are tips to put out fires and be more productive:
- Know what your customers expect. You may believe you’re delivering Product A, but your customer was expecting Service B. If these expectations don’t mesh you will be in continual fire mode. Communicate so everyone is on the same page.
- Offer support. If your staff is struggling to meet customer expectations and demands, it might be time for you to step in and mediate. Ask your employee what they feel the issue is then take steps to resolve the miscommunication between staff and customers.
- Resolve problems. Don’t let problems linger on the hope they will resolve themselves. That rarely happens.
- Talk with your customer. Have a sit down — virtual or in person — and attempt to get to the bottom of the problem. Be aware that it could simply be that your customer and the employee working with him just don’t mesh and never will. Cut your losses and give your customer to a different employee to help provide your service. Talk with your employees first so they are on the same page. It’s not a punishment it’s an attempt to put out that fire.
If you have to spend your days being a firefighter, your own work will fall to the wayside. Step in and resolve issues before they become blazing infernos.
How have you handled work fires at your location?