I need to restructure my staff but I’m over it big time

Dear Aunty B,

I run a small hire business and my holiday period has ended and I am back on deck feeling completely overwhelmed. I was going to take two weeks off and I think in the end I managed three days off which was Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day when I had the worst hangover of all time.

Then my year started with having to let go two staff, one who had been with us for four years and she bought a first house last year and asked me to her wedding so you can imagine how I feel especially as she was so understanding and nice about it!! I should have done it before Christmas but I couldn’t face it so I had that weighing me down all holiday.

Now I have to restructure the team but Aunty right now I feel like it is all too hard and rather than try to work out what to do I keep imagining myself walking down to Docklands and finding a nice boat and floating out to sea and never come back.

Over it big time,
Melb
 
Dear Over it big time,

Good heavens. You don’t want to go to Docklands. It will be full of bank staff who have just been laid off looking for their own sea transport. And even if you nabbed a boat where you would go? The Greek islands? Spain? I think not. Here is what you are going to do. You are going to come up with a plan.

First, you are going to take four days off this. This Thursday is Australia Day and the country’s folk are sipping froth and nibbling on char. Of course after this is Friday and there is nothing in the world that can’t wait until Monday. 

Next, you are going to book somewhere away so you feel like you are having a holiday. And you are going to plan your next holiday even if it is just a long weekend.

Third, you are going to reach out to your friends and supporters and arrange some coffee and lunches. You are looking for their support, advice, ideas and encouragement.

Fourth, you are going to ensure your financials are up to date so you have a clear picture of your position.

Fifth, you will realise that you have made one of the hardest decisions in business, everyone feels awful after doing what you have had to do but it is time to face the future.  

Sixth, you are going to have a huge look at your sales team. How do you beef it up, get more sales, get more profitable sales, develop closer relationships with customers and give them extra value? 

Seventh – and I promise I will then shut up  – you are going to sit down and remember why you started the business in the first place. Remember? You wanted freedom, financial independence and a challenge? Well you have all that so there is no going back.

In a few months’ time when the team is restructured and your financials are looking better, you are going to feel very differently. I promise!

Be smart,
Your Aunty B