Small Business Foundations Tara Landes

Performance management is often seen as a bureaucratic, administrative task. It takes a lot of time and hard work to put the system in place, but when done correctly, it can bring so much value. In this episode, I talk with Gabriel Dhahan about the origin of performance evaluations, common misconceptions, and pitfalls. We will dig into how well-crafted job descriptions and one-on-one sessions are some of the most powerful tools a small business can have and how using these tools can shift the odds in your favour on your way to achieving your goals.

In this episode, Tara interviews a client to learn whether an organizational structure and job descriptions are important in small business. They talk about family business and how strategic planning can clarify roles, reduce destructive conflict, and streamline company operations.

There is so much talk about diversity and inclusion nowadays. Can I put out an ad asking for diverse people? Aren’t the best hires from personal referrals? Am I not at risk of getting people who don't have the common values of my organization? Does diversity really matter? In this episode, I talk to Sylvia Apostolidis, founder of the Jasmar Group, who has spent the last 15 years researching the behavioral science around diversity and inclusion. We dig into two big questions, why diversity matters and what practical actions can we take to become more diverse and inclusive business owners.

Tara and Gabe discuss the oft asked question, "How do you know when it's time to fire someone?" They review the questions to ask yourself to make sure the right decision is made, and discuss the process to use when the answers indicate it's time to let them go.

People start businesses to do work they love and are good at. And make money. The problem is they're so busy doing the work, and then selling the work, and then finding people to help them with the work, the money part often takes a back seat. Join us as we discuss the value of hiring a professional to keep an eye on the money side of a small business.