Thoughts On A Biz

Years ago, when I started to work in the real world, I was given a piece of advice: keep track of all of the attributes of your bosses that you like and do not like, so that when you become ‘the boss’ you have a reference point of how to be a better boss. I’m taking that advice and combining it with another well known practice: writing down all of your ideas and thoughts about your future business(es). The following is a list of ideas, practices and thoughts, that in an ideal world I will be able to make a reality when I start my own enterprises. The list is in reverse chronological order. I’ll be updating this periodically. Please add your thoughts in the comments section and I will add them!

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2/08/09

15. Give staff ‘decoration’ funds that they can use to make their work area inspiring, comfortable, unique, and fun. Not too much money, but some to help out.

14. Don’t force it, wait until you are passionate about something, then go for it. Trust me, you will find your passion, but you must actually be looking for it. Encourage staff to be passionate.

13. Create things to make things easier for people, not to make them lazy.

2/06/09

12. Be a mentor. Support mentorship at all levels of the organization.

11. Discourage people from eating at their desks unless they absolutely have to.

10. Have a lunch/break room so people do not need to eat at their desks everyday.

9. Make sure there is a bike rack.

8. If you provide parking passes and metro $$ for commuters, give those who ride their bikes to work some incentive, too.

7. Create an inspiring and energizing work place.

6. Do not play favorites.

5. Have foresight. Where are things going? Be an early adopter. It may be cheaper to test things out than continuously have to catch up.

4. Make sure there is a hook in the bathroom so people can hang their belongings (especially if it is a lifestyle business).

3. When any employee leaves, make sure you take the time to visit or call them and thank them for their work and support (as upper management). If you don’t, they may not want to work with you in the future, which is when you may need them most.

2. When new hires begin, make sure to go talk to each and everyone of them (as CEO or President or upper management). It will make them feel welcome and wanted.

1. LEED certified, at the platinum level if possible