Does every task belong to someone?

Any business is in a much stronger position when it has taken the time to identify every single task that needs doing to make the business run smoothly and efficiently, down to emptying the bins and cleaning the tea cups, and has allocated those tasks to individual and appropriate members of staff.

You do not want tasks slipping through the cracks and not getting done, and you do not want staff carrying out tasks which are inappropriate for their level. Having your highly paid branch manager emptying bins is a waste of his time and your money. But it still needs doing by someone, so make sure the right person, in terms of both skillset and wages, is doing it.

Having your highly paid branch manager emptying bins is a waste of his time and your money. But it still needs doing by someone.

All of these tasks should be clearly set out in the staff member’s job description, and reviewed regularly by their line manager.

For a buyer, this is the difference between acquiring a team and acquiring a set of habits. One transfers. The other does not.