Dear Terry,
I run a small manufacturing company with 50 people. My market is changing, and I have to change my company to adapt to my changing market. My customers are demanding more standardized equipment and less unique job shop equipment. This is a shift in my employee's mindset. I need to set the direction of my company, implement changes, and have my employees come along as willing and engaged participants with me. This is crucial to my continued success. I do not have the courage and desire to address my employees more than one on one. Giving my company direction over to the biggest blow-hard in my company is not the message I wanted to convey. I also feel like I have to continually repeat myself as if these people will never likely understand what I am trying to say. Help!
- Frustrated Entrepreneur
Dear Frustrated,
It sounds like you need to get all the help that you can muster to right your ship.
As you pointed out, if you leave your communication to others before you can present the desired communication yourself, you are at the mercy of your blow-hard manager. The manager knows that you lack the self-esteem and self-confidence to speak up, so the manager talks over and under you with this bloviator operating style. Without a doubt, this bully is running your company—and you!
Immediately, I would hire a business consultant to help you out of your quagmire. And simultaneously, I would join a speaking group to find your own voice. Be frank with the consultant. Otherwise, you will spend more time with your business boat spinning in an eddy and going nowhere. Once you have found your voice, you'll be running your own company and your own life.
Terminate the blow-hard.
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