On a recent trip to Kenya, I encountered an unexpected lesson in leadership and management—through speed bumps. Kenya is famous for its game parks, the Big Five, and, as I discovered, an astounding number of speed bumps. These legendary mountains of tar pop up when you least expect them, waiting quietly around corners, up hills, down valleys, and even on beautiful straight stretches. The first day riding through Nairobi was an exercise in patience. Every 328 feet—100 meters—we would slow down, go over a bump, and drive on… until the next bump.
After six hours of “bump, bump, bump,” I finally asked our guide why they had speed bumps EVERYWHERE. His answer was simple and insightful: “They set guidelines, standards, and boundaries that keep people safe and ‘in line.’ This got me thinking.
Do Businesses Need Speed Bumps or Guardrails?
Absolutely. Businesses need similar speed bumps or guardrails to keep operations running smoothly and safely. Consider the following areas:
Policies and Practices: Setting the Course
Every business has its own way of doing things, from how you serve customers to how you enter an order and navigate the sales cycle. These policies and practices act as guardrails to keep your employees on the right path to prevent them from veering off course.
Practical How-Tos:
• Document Everything: Write down every procedure and make sure everyone has access to it. Clear, written instructions prevent confusion and ensure everyone is on the same page. This acts as a road map, guiding employees through every process.
• Regular Training: Keep everyone updated with regular training sessions. Policies and procedures can change, and it’s important everyone stays in the loop. This is your pit stop to refuel knowledge.
• Feedback Loop: Encourage employees to share their thoughts on current policies. They are the ones using these daily and can provide valuable insights into what has changed or needs to change. Regular feedback sessions are like routine maintenance checks, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Why It Matters: Without clear policies, employees might make their own rules, leading to inconsistencies and mistakes. This can result in low morale and lost customers.
Encouraging Innovation: Sparking Creativity Within Boundaries
Innovation is the lifeblood of a thriving business, but it needs direction to be effective. Here’s how to keep the creative juices flowing without losing control.
Practical How-Tos:
• Create a Safe Space for Ideas: Let your team know it’s okay to try new things and fail. Foster an environment where experimentation is encouraged. This is like creating a sandbox for test-driving new ideas without the risk.
• Structure the Process: Set up specific times and places for brainstorming. Bringing together people from different departments provides a fresh perspective and can lead to breakthrough ideas.
• Track Progress: Keep an eye on how new ideas are developing. Use simple metrics to see what’s working and what’s not. These function as your GPS, helping you stay on the right path.
Why It Matters: Without a structured approach to innovation, creative efforts can become disorganized and ineffective. Good ideas may be overlooked, and the lack of direction can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities.
Fostering a People Culture
Your employees are your greatest asset. Here’s how to ensure they are engaged, motivated, and stay on course towards your business goals.
Practical How-Tos:
• Personalized Development Plans: Work with each employee to create a development plan that suits their career goals and strengths. Tailored plans are like custom-fit seat adjustments, ensuring everyone is comfortable, buckled in, and ready for the journey.
• Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open. Regular updates and honest conversations build trust and keep everyone in the loop.
• Put Gas in the Car; Give your team the tools and authority they need to make decisions. Trust them to do their jobs well and step in only when necessary. This empowerment is like giving your team the keys to drive their own success.
Why It Matters: When employees do not know where they stand with their performance or the leader, they may misinterpret the signs and veer off path. This leads to low morale and a disengaged workforce, pay attention to avoid a wreck.
Strengthening Leadership
Strong leadership goes beyond guiding your team; it involves inspiring trust, fostering respect, and empowering others. Implementing metaphorical speed bumps and guardrails—such as clear expectations and regular feedback—helps leaders stay on track and make thoughtful decisions.
Practical How-Tos:
• Leadership Training: Offer ongoing training and development for current and upcoming leaders. Focus on areas they will need and use in their day-to-day work life, such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, strategic thinking, and effective communication.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Pair less experienced employees with seasoned leaders to provide guidance, support, and knowledge sharing. Think of this as a student driver, someone is sitting close to grab the wheel when needed.
• Empowerment and Autonomy: Trust your leaders to make decisions and hold them accountable for the outcomes. This not only boosts their confidence but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Why It Matters: Without strong leadership, teams can become directionless and unmotivated. This can stifle growth and innovation, ultimately affecting the overall success of the business.
The End of the Road
Just like the unexpected speed bumps on Kenyan roads, the speed bumps, and guardrails you set up in your small business might feel like obstacles at times. However, these mechanisms are essential for maintaining a steady pace, ensuring everyone stays on the right path, and achieving long-term success.
Remember: Slow down, hit the bump, and then go—safely and strategically towards your business goals. The journey might be bumpy, but with the right guidelines and boundaries, you’ll navigate it successfully. And who knows, you might even enjoy the ride!
Speedbumps are meant to slow you down, not stop you completely.