NO BLACK BOXES!

First let me tell you what I mean about the ‘black box’ and how it applies to business.

We’ve all heard of the black box on an airplane. All technical information, even cockpit recordings, are stored in the black box. If a plane crashes, finding that black box is like finding a gold mine of information. The problem comes in when we can’t find the black box, or can’t get to it. If you’ve got a black box in your business, you may have a problem. Keeping all your information with one person means trouble.

Here’s why I teach virtual assistants and business owners every day to avoid the black box! Part of creating and implementing systems is making sure that everyone, those working in your business now and those who will be inevitably joining you down the road, knows your systems! This can’t happen if you have an employee or virtual assistant who doesn’t share information.

It’s an unfortunate fact that there are people out there who try to create the illusion of being indispensable by not sharing information about their position, tasks, and businesses they are working for. I see it all the time and frankly, if an employee or VA can’t be broken of that habit they generally do not work with me for long. The problem generally goes deeper than the simple fact of not having access to vital information. When a person feels the need to create importance in themselves and their position, it’s usually a sign of a bigger problem with confidence, honesty or worse.
Requiring a no black boxes guarantee from those working in your business ensures that when (not if – when) a member of your team leaves, the systems and process surrounding their every day tasks don’t leave with them.

Warning: if you see your employees or virtual assistants with these habits, it’s time to have a conversation with them. I can help you with that process – I work with my coaching clients all the time with this issue.

Sharing is fun!