Principles for Leading Your Company through COVID-19 Crisis

Published on: 20 November 2020 Last Updated on: 04 September 2021

Ever since the COVID-19 outbreak in the UAE, the government and other institutions have been fighting to curb its spread. The virus spreads when a healthy person inhales droplets from a person who is infected. It also spreads when you touch surfaces that are contaminated then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose. It is necessary to adhere to the recommended health guidelines like washing your hands or using an alcohol-based sanitizer, maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds, etc. Employers should ensure that the workplace is safe and can accommodate employees without compromising their health.

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 at the Workplace

Keeping your workplace COVID-19 free does not have to cost much; maintain hygiene and cleanliness. Ensure that surfaces like tables and desks, keyboards, and telephones are wiped and disinfected regularly.

Encourage regular hand washing by workers and customers. Provide sanitizers and hand wash soap at entrances, exits, washrooms, etc. Ensure that sanitizer dispensers never run out. You can also hang informative posters on the importance of washing hands to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Promote the use of face masks at all times and practice good respiratory hygiene. Make sure your employees are well aware of Coronavirus Health Insurance.

How to Lead Your Company during the Coronavirus

Leading a team during the COVID-19 can be tough; there is uncertainty, and employees are constantly worried about their families and health. Here are principles you can use to lead your team during this time of crisis.

Preach Hope

Your employees will mirror your behavior, so as you talk to them about the present and unclear future, it is necessary to remain optimistic. Be truthful and assure them that the company will withstand the hard times, and things will be back to normal. You need to give them hope, act like a leader.

Taking leadership training Dubai lessons teaches you how to handle overwhelming situations in the workplace. Although preaching hope is necessary, avoid giving false assurances as this can break their trust in you and the company.

People-Centered Approach

You need to be in tune with how the staff feels and thinks during this crisis; watch for changes and respond to any concerns. Employees are going to be worried and anxious about job security and health. Executives who take leadership training in Abu Dhabi classes know how to act even in a crisis. Show genuine concern for your workers; some risk their health to be at the office while others work from home juggling family and workload.

Effective Communication

Communicating is not enough; you need to ensure that the message is understood and not blown out of context or misinterpreted. Try to maintain personal but professional communication with each member. Be transparent, and keep the employees informed, but don’t bombard them with too much information.

Communication is a two-way-street; listen to your team and receive feedback without judgment. When employees are free to issue their concerns and opinions, they feel appreciated and valued which leads to job satisfaction and improved productivity.

Collaboration

Don’t pretend to know everything; nobody expects you to. This is the ideal time to rely on your resources, employees, and all team members. Create taskforces, sub-taskforces, and explain each person’s role; this makes them feel that they are contributing positively to the workplace during this crisis. Collaboration fosters cohesion and builds trust within the team. When people work together they can come up with better solutions to problems. It also helps employees to adapt to the new norm. Change is inevitable, and organizations need to adapt accordingly.

Establish a Common Vision

Focus on setting out a simple, shared vision; this fosters a sense of purpose. As the crisis escalates, a shared vision reminds the team to work on what is needed at every stage and to focus on important issues. It also helps employees to focus on the organization’s goals without getting distracted by the outside world. It steers employees in the right direction. Having a clear vision ensures that every member is on the same page. A good vision is not enough; you need to communicate correctly to let everyone know their responsibilities and expectations.

Be Present

It’s crucial to be present at the workplace to interact and support your team. It is also necessary to do the same if you have a virtual team. Most organizations have all or some of their employees work from home. It is necessary to schedule regular meetings through video conferencing. This makes remote working employees feel seen and included in everyday routine and decision-making processes. You don’t have to be physically present to lead your team. If you lead managers, you need to keep a tab of their daily routine and continue with your coaching conversation.

The COVID-19 crisis has changed the workplace; some people work from home while others continue with their normal routines while observing health recommendations. It can be overwhelming to lead a team during a crisis; some workers are confused while others are worried and frustrated. As a leader, you need to develop strategies to keep your team focused during these times.

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Standard Consulting Updating Businesses Now On ISO 9001 Changes

Whilst quality management system ISO 9001 is a set of International Standards recognized throughout the world, you could also describe it as a way of life or a mindset. Quality management is one of those things that just makes sense - in fact, much of it is exactly that, common sense! Practical, simple and very effective, it's a way of delivering the very best products and services to the customer - and implementing it really isn't rocket science! Whilst so much of this is commonsense, nonetheless, there is a set of policies, processes, and procedures needed to make it all happen. But this is a system that should be at the very heart of any organization. Whether you own a large company, a small business or you run a voluntary organization or charity, you have 'customers', and meeting their requirements should be your main goal. Well-oiled machine Standard Consulting in Brisbane sums it up perfectly when they describe ISO 9001 as a way of consolidating the many internal processes within an organization into one well-oiled machine. It leads us away from considering a business to be many different components running alongside each other, seeing it instead as a total commitment to quality as a whole. Standard Consulting's Quality Management System training packages help organizations of any size understand and adopt this concept, leading to improved performance, fewer complaints, more happy customers and a better bottom line. Crucially, it will also help organizations meet regulatory requirements and achieve ongoing improvement. Government tenders Quality Management System training helps businesses understand that their customers are not the only ones to consider. For example, a business chasing Government contracts and tenders is unlikely to make even the first cut without a QMS system in place. In our competitive world, where a tender might attracts hundreds of bids, Government departments need some sort of benchmark against which they can measure the applicants. Or perhaps you are an SMB wanting to join a major organization's supply chain. Again, it is unlikely you will be considered with a recognized system in place. Remember, that major company has to meet its own regulatory requirements and keep its customers happy, so it is crucial they work with like-minded organizations. In order to be effective, Quality Management System ISO 9001 must be embraced by everyone within an organization, from top to bottom. And decision-makers within the business need to consider it in the context of all future plans and policies. It also demands that all policies and procedures be documented, and constantly reviewed and updated, in much the same way the Standards themselves are revised and updated. Standard updates In fact, there has recently been a review, with the current version of the Standard being Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015. Three years in the making, this only goes to show how important and up-to-date these Standards are, formulated by professionals from throughout the world. Well over a million ISO 9001 certifications have been issued - a reassuring sign that businesses are really starting to take on board the importance of quality, in their goods, services and internal operations. ISO 9001 was revised to make it more in tune with how we do business these days - reflecting our global market better. Quality Assurance vs Quality Control As professionals such as Standard Consulting will tell you, it is far better to create a top-quality product in the first place - Quality Assurance - than to have to deal with returns and complaints later - Quality Control. It's a mistake to think that quality control is enough. As well as disappointing and potentially losing customers, producing faulty products that get returned is a complete waste of money for the organization. Better to get it the right first time, every time. There are, however, a few misconceptions about ISO 9001:2015, and these will be properly explained during quality management system training. For example, you'll hear some people say that the Standard is only for big organizations, or that it is only applicable to certain industries. That is not the case. Suitable for any business International Standards can be applied to any size organization, in any industry, and be just as relevant. The concept of quality products that are fit for purpose has nothing to do with the size of your business. In fact, we are seeing an increasing number of SMEs implementing these systems, because they can see how it saves them time and money and helps them secure a larger chunk of the market. Another myth is that it is only for manufacturing or retail businesses but again, this is untrue. Quality Management System ISO 9001 is used by hospitals, schools, churches, charities, police departments and more. To put it simply, every group or organization or business needs structure - and structure needs policies and procedures. Think about it - even families have structure, rules, processes, systems, and patterns. So it's fairly obvious you need the same processes and systems in business - but much bigger. To find out how your business would benefit, talk to Standard Consulting - experts in International Standards.

How To Sell A Small Business Without A Broker

Once you’re ready to sell your small business, hiring a business broker tops your list. An article from this perfectly defines the role of business brokers that is to act as “intermediaries between buyers and sellers of a business”. They are the equivalent of real estate brokers or agents who sell properties on behalf of property owners. Business brokers manage everything necessary to sell your small business, from planning to marketing to closing the deal. Some even assist during the transition process. Considering such an enormous task, enlisting a broker may seem the easiest and most convenient thing to do. However, their service comes with an outrageous fee, usually around 10% commission from the sale. This is certainly a huge cut from your profits. If you want to retain the full profit from the sale, you can opt to sell your small business sans middlemen. This is an excellent choice especially if you have previous experience selling a business, you know of prospective buyers, or you’re not in a hurry to sell-off. However, when you decide to sell your business on your own, you have to be ready for a tedious legwork. So, how do you go about the sale? Know your reason for selling the small business According to a business broker, the first thing that a buyer would want to know is why a business is being sold. For a business to attract a potential buyer, you need to have a good reason. Some of the common reasons are retirement, sudden changes in personal circumstances, illness or death, boredom, partnership disputes, and burnout. Prospective buyers find these as ‘attractive’ reasons to buy a business. It may be harder to sell a business if you tell the buyer that you’re selling the business due to its sorry financial state, persistent losses, lack of manpower, and changing market conditions and trends. Make your business easily marketable by timing your sale properly. Show positive attributes to make it more marketable such as a strong customer base, increased profitability, consistent good financials, well-defined business processes, and a good contract. Plan your sale Prepare your business at least two years ahead of the sale, especially if you won’t enlist a broker. Have an ample amount of time to improve your client base, business structure, and financial records. This will help improve the value of your business and make it more attractive to buyers. This should also help ease the transition process. Get your business appraised Once you’re ready to sell, you need to decide on the worth of your business. It is best to work with a professional business appraiser to get a proper valuation. Often, business owners become illogical when it comes to evaluating their own business. Some price is too low in an attempt to make it more marketable but end up losing on potential profit. Others price it too high hence making it unattractive to potential buyers. A business appraiser will evaluate your business to determine its worth. He then prepares a detailed explanation to give credibility to the proposed price. Prepare all documents Give time in preparing the design or sales package for your business. This document represents your business in the best possible light to potential buyers. It should include financial, operational and marketing information. If you are not comfortable with your communication skills, you can enlist the help of professional business writers. Financial documents are an important part of the sale process. Gather your books of account, financial statements, and tax returns for the past four years. Review these documents with an accountant. In addition, develop a list of assets that are being sold along with the business. Include other necessary documents such as lease agreements, supplier contracts, and contact lists. Prepare an information packet or operating manual that provides an overview of your business processes. In addition, you want to add photographs of your business, testimonials, case studies, and customer profiles. Highlight accomplishments and milestones to make it more marketable and command better-asking price. Prepare your business on-site Alongside the documentary preparations, you should also make your business site presentable. Check your physical store, production site, warehouse, and other related locations. You might need to have some areas repainted or redeveloped. Check if equipment or machinery needs to be replaced or fixed before the sale. Investing in such developments can help improve the asking price. It might sound cliché but first impressions last. An unkempt and dilapidated business site might turn off a potential buyer. It pays to invest in your physical asset as soon as you decide to sell on your own. Look for a buyer to sell your small business Finding a buyer is difficult, but it becomes doubly challenging if you don’t have a business broker. Unless you have a ready buyer, it may take several months to years before you can find the right buyer. The advantage of hiring a business broker is that they have wide networks and established marketing methods. If you are working solo, you will need to compensate for these services. There are listing sites dedicated to businesses-on-sale. You only need to pay a one-time fee and your business becomes available to potential buyers. You can also tap your networks. Perhaps, a friend or an acquaintance (or someone they know) is planning to buy a business. You can check your local business clubs or chambers. Visit online forums and social networks. Don’t limit your advertising methods. Final Thoughts As you can see, if you sell your small business without a broker is possible. It can even be advantageous if you play an active role in the sales and negotiation process. Quite obviously, business owners are more passionate to sell their business to the right buyers. Of course, you just have to remain rational and avoid getting your emotions to affect your decisions. As a final caution, if you have no experience selling and buying a business, you should consider working with a business broker or someone who has experience in this field. Better yet, you can check with your local chamber of commerce for assistance and counseling. Read Also: How to Boost Traffic to your Small Business Cost Effective Custom Mobile Accessories Packaging for your Small Business How To Empower Your Small Business through Digital Marketing? 4 Simple And Cheap Methods To Attract More Customers For Your Small Business

Fast Freight Solutions: Why Expedited Shipping Is A Game-Changer

Logistics providers must prioritize efficiency if they wish to be successful. Consumers want goods immediately, and any delay can lead to losses. Time is of the essence in this industry, so business owners constantly look for ways to streamline their operations and optimize their shipping processes. Expedited shipping is one method they may use to achieve this goal. Speed and time sensitivity are prioritized when this shipping option is selected, and it can be used for less-than-truckload freight and full truckloads. Using this option gives a business a competitive edge by ensuring goods arrive at their destination promptly. With the help of expedited shipping, companies can meet the urgent demands of their consumers quickly and reliably. What Is Expedited Shipping? Expedited Shipping is a kind of specialized service that is based on improving the speed quotient of deliveries. Indeed, it is faster than traditional shipping services. But what makes up for the additional speed? Expedited Shipping uses direct routes whenever possible during any transportation project or logistics delivery. As a result, the transit times are reduced by 50 to 60%. Estimating the layovers and cutting off any other unnecessary delays is also easy. It is the best option for you if you need a time-sensitive delivery. Some orders that badly need Expedited Shipping are urgent posts, delivery of perishable goods, priority shipments like meds, etc. Separating Standard From Expedited Shipping The prime difference between standard and Expedited Shipping is in the delivery speed. The former follows the general delivery schedule and timeframe. However, that might be a few days and, in odd cases, a few weeks But the scenes are different if you’ve booked Expedited Shipping. It assures faster delivery. The maximum time frame is 3 days. However, more than 70% of deliveries take only 24 to 48 hours. You may receive Some of the consignments within 12 hours, too. However, the cost is higher when you expect such fast transit. So, choose Expedited Shipping whenever you need to make an urgent shipment. The Benefits Of Expedited Shipping This shipping option allows goods to reach their destination in less time. Most businesses opt for standard measures whenever possible because they are cost-effective and reliable. However, there are times when shipments must arrive quickly, typically within a day or two after placing the order. Many industries benefit from offering this option. Medical supplies can arrive at their destination rapidly, which is essential because it could be a matter of life or death. Just-in-time production methods are becoming more common in manufacturing, so expedited shipping ensures operational efficiency while minimizing downtime. The company can meet customer demands, giving it a competitive edge. When customers receive their goods on time, they may become loyal clients of the business. In addition, they may leave a positive review and tell their family and friends about the company. Expedited shipping allows the business to stand out and increase its market share. Consumer demands change rapidly. A company must be ready to provide customers with what they want and need. Expedited shipping allows the business to become more agile. It can quickly adapt to seasonal peaks and fluctuating demand. Business owners know the importance of being flexible and nimble, as they saw the importance of having these capabilities during the global pandemic. Lead times lessen when expedited shipping is used. The business can fulfill customer orders quickly while improving its inventory turnover. The short transit times result in cost savings and higher profits. Improved Inventory Management Expedited Shipping can subtly improve inventory management. Firstly, it can reduce the level of stockouts. At the same time, it ensures that the products are available timely. Consequently, the supply chain keeps moving fluidly, and goods reach each touch point promptly. Hence, such moves can reduce the risk of lost sales due to lack of availability. Added Competitive Benefits Imagine any crowded marketplace. If you choose Expedited Shipping there, your business will surely stand out. Often, you will find that customers prefer companies like eBay offer faster delivery than Shein and others. So, standard deliveries are gradually going out of vogue. Meanwhile, Expedited Shipping is taking charge. Most importantly, the advantage is all yours if you’re an ecom company. Most customers (over 90%) expect faster deliveries and quicker checkouts. So, Expedited Shipping has become unmissable, speaking of e-commerce customer satisfaction. What Methods Are Commonly Used The commonly used methods are air freight, dedicated trucking, courier services, express delivery networking, etc. However, the names I mentioned are the prime methods. Air freight out of the four is most helpful for international deliveries or supply of perishables over a short distance. On the other hand, courier companies specialize in using direct local networks for the fastest deliveries. Keeping Costs Down Business owners must know when to use expedited shipping and when other methods serve as the better option. Expedited shipping comes with higher fees to ensure the speed of the delivery. The business may choose to bear these costs or pass them on to consumers, thereby raising the price of the goods. A company might offer tiered shipping levels, allowing customers to choose the level that meets their needs and fits their budget. In addition, the company might decide to collaborate with one or more carriers to negotiate better rates and service-level agreements. This arrangement helps to guarantee consistent performance. Nevertheless, the shipping carrier is only part of the equation. The business must also optimize its order processing workflows. Technology solutions can help the company achieve this goal. It must also manage customer expectations and be transparent throughout the order fulfillment process, from when the order is placed until the goods are delivered. The Bottom Line! Expedited shipping has numerous benefits, but it is wrong for every situation. A business owner must know you need speed and flexibility in shipping to meet customer demands. The customer is always the top priority, so exceeding these expectations will lead to increased loyalty and positive reviews, which every business needs. Read Also: List of Basic Shipping Documents you should be aware of The Importance of Packaging Design in Small Business Success Corporate Hackathon: Benefits To The Employees

Principles for Leading Your Company through COVID-19 Crisis

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 at the Workplace