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In business (and sometimes in life), it can be difficult to seek help when needed.  Most people in leadership positions can find themselves having a difficult time hiring someone to help them.  Some leaders have control issues, where they live by the motto, "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."  Nevertheless, this mindset can lead to burnout.  A skilled and properly trained staff, can help lighten the workload.   As the saying goes, "Team work, makes the dream work."   So, it is okay to hire the help that you need when needed.

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If you have areas of deficiency, you can acquire help to assist you in those areas.  Never get stuck in the mindset of, "I've always done things this way or We've always done things this way."  Just because you have been doing something for a long period of time, does not mean that it is the only or best way to complete a task.   If you open your mind to learning, you might find that there is a more efficient way for completing the same task.

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When hiring the help you need, be mindful that that person or those people will need to be trained to complete tasks in the business.  Customer service training should be included in the training process, if the employee will come in contact with customers.  Proper business etiquette, phone mannerism, dress code practices, and training on the use of systems should also be incorporated in the training process as well.  Employees might also have to be retrained to stay up-to-date on business processes and practices.

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If you feel overwhelmed at work and you have the ability to hire help, you should hire someone with the knowledge and background to do the job well, or are at least willing to learn how to do the job well.  Review each job application yourself, and don't get caught up on job titles that you overlook applicants who might be just as qualified.  To retain quality employees, make sure that you have a competitive compensation package as well.  

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After you hire new employees, and they are fully trained, leave them with the autonomy to do their job.  Do not micromanage them.  If you are not confident in the work that he/she will produce, don't hire them.  Over time, the outcomes from the work that they produce will help you determine areas where more training is needed, as well as their growth potential.  Make sure you have adequate staffing, so that none of your employees feel overwhelmed.  If they have to do their job and help other employees do their job, they will eventually become overwhelmed and frustrated, and this is usually when mistakes are made, absenteeism increases, and employee morale begins to diminish. 

 

Don't wait for your employees to tell you that he/she is overwhelmed.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know if your employee is juggling multiple jobs, including his/her own responsibilities.  Act now to get the help needed, before they submit their resignation letter.  If you want to retain quality employees, I implore you to hire the help you need.  It will cost you more in the long run to replace a quality employee, than it will cost you to hire help.

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By Jason Torrents