Have you ever heard yourself echo the words, ‘normally I wouldn’t do this, but for you, I’ll make an exception?’ This is an example of deviating from standards. It may not be a problem initially but you might find this becomes the norm over time and now you have set a new standard that’s not aligned with your business values. When it comes to business values and standards for small business, even small compromises can shift direction. Before you know it, others are following your lead.
When things start to go in a direction that you’re not happy about, and frustration sets in, it’s a build-up of a lot of small things not going to plan and if you look closely, you will see that along the way you may have lost your direction. The direction in this case, meaning staying true to what the business stands for, the values and standards that guide your small business.
Business Values and Standards for Small Business
Go back to your business’s values and see what part of the business, whether in the people, process or product and identify where values and standard expectations are not being applied consistently within your business.
Ask why they aren’t being applied, maybe the values haven’t been clearly communicated, or it’s not clear how the business’s values are interpreted in the daily operations. This is often where working with a business consultant can help bring clarity and structure to your values and standards. Strong business values and standard principles only work when they are consistently understood and reinforced.
Let’s use this example. If your values are reliable and quality, a non-negotiable principle to apply in your business could be;
‘To deliver a quality product on time, every time,’ This now sets a standard.
So whether it’s yourself or your team delivering a product or service, make sure to check-in and ask if what’s being delivered is to standard. If it’s not, don’t accept it. Make the necessary changes until it is to the standard you have set and expect, especially when reinforcing business values and standards for your business growth.
You don’t want to make a decision, where later on you find yourself saying ‘I knew I wasn’t making the right decision, but I went with it anyway.’ It could turn out to be a costly decision not only from a monetary perspective but also your brand and reputation.
When you are ready, reach out to work with an experienced business coach in Australia and we can discuss the standards within your business to increase efficiency, quality and profits, and strengthen your business values and standards for your business success.
EmpowerBeyond – Business Performance Solutions, focusing on people, process, products and services and improving productivity and cash flow.
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