Prime season in the event industry can be intense, with so many details and team members to manage and a demanding clientele to satisfy. It’s not uncommon to be so focused on what needs to be done right now that you allow other details, such as analyzing and developing your team, to fall by the proverbial wayside.
But don’t be guilty of allowing the urgent to take away from the important. Make a plan to analyze your team year-round for maximum efficient and top quality performance.
1. Set up reminders.
Managing a team is an ongoing process. While the depth of analysis may vary throughout the year, the end of each event season--which varies regionally--is a prime opportunity to reflect on what is working and what is not.
Put team analysis on your calendar as firm dates when you will review performance and hold candid conversations about successes, challenges and needs for the future. Include your team members in the discussions to get as much perspective as you can into areas of strength and opportunities for growth. Make an action list of what needs to be reviewed or modified before the next event season.
2. Standardize the process.
It is helpful to look at the same factors each time you analyze your operations in order to compare and measure progress. This might include things such as attendance, client satisfaction surveys, adherence to company standards and practices, and overall job satisfaction.
You may create your own custom list of questions and evaluations that you run through each season. Or, use tools that are already available to aid in the process. We like using tools from Sage Wedding Pros and in particular the human resource plan, which includes a product for regular team analysis that is very helpful.
3. Allow for evolution.
While having a standard process makes things easier and ensures you don’t overlook any areas that need regular monitoring, you should allow your process to evolve as your business and team members do.
Your questions should be relevant and intended to serve both the business and the needs of your team. Add and delete things from your list as they prove useful.
Even in the off season, you have a finite amount of time--devote it to the areas that most impact your team members, your client satisfaction, and the efficiency of your operations.
Ongoing analysis of your team performance helps ensure that you are looking for ways to nurture your team while measuring their efficiency and potential. If you engage in regular analysis, you’ll be sure you have the right people in the right positions.
You’ll be on your way to even more success and personal satisfaction--and that’s a great place for any events business to be!
Emily Sullivan is the owner of Emily Sullivan Events, a full-service wedding planning company based in New Orleans and serving couples everywhere.
