One of the hardest things about running a business is constantly being able to prioritize what’s important. This is especially true for start-ups or companies who are undergoing massive growth or any type of major shift in policy or management. While it may seem tempting to tackle multiple issues at once, it isn’t a very practical solution because you’ll just end up giving less attention to each problem. 

Setting an organized list of goals, both short- and long-term is an essential first step in planning what to tackle first. Once you decide this crucial first step, it should impact every decision made within the company, at every level. It’s also important to remember that what you are aiming for right now might change depending on which stage your company is in at a specific moment in time. The type of goal will determine the next steps, so if your goal is growth, then everything you do should steer your company that direction. If your goal is to improve your customer service, that means an entirely different set of directives. Other common business goals might include increasing employee training or reducing carbon emissions, it’s different for everyone.

Besides making an initial declaration and sharing it company-wide, it also helps to remind your team periodically about the direction the company is taking. This will ensure that it remains fresh in their minds when they go about their daily activities. In addition to regular refreshers, you should also include employees in the progress that is being made along the way. This will make them feel like they have more of a vested interest in helping you succeed because you are treating them as peers. The easiest way to increase employee morale is to make your team feel valued. The more people focused on the same mission, the better for the business. 

Another great way to include your staff is by asking for their input. People have new ideas all the time, but they might need an outlet to express themselves. Have an open-door policy for new ideas and then compare suggestions to your checklist of goals. Give feedback to people who bring suggestions forward, and offer incentives to get people to step out of their comfort zone. 

Elmore Patterson is a tenured and trusted leader in the health care administration sphere. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Elmore currently serves as the Executive Director of Diversicare of Montgomery, a 138-bed skilled nursing facility that cares deeply for the people of Alabama. To learn more about Elmore Patterson, be sure to visit his website.