Imagine how much you could accomplish if you didn’t have to play the role of daily trouble-shooter. Review this checklist to see how well-prepared you and your employees are for growth and exceptional customer service. Then, step into action. As you open the lines of communication, create systems, and make training efforts more consistent, you will see the benefits of creating a well-oiled machine of your own.

Embrace your mission

It’s surprising how many entrepreneurs haven’t defined their mission. But how can you expect your employees to achieve a vision if they don’t know what it is and don’t understand its importance? Infuse purpose into your business and teach everyone involved how to embrace the meaning behind what you do. When your employees experience the passion and understand that they play an important role in creating change or serving their community, you will see performance levels soar.

Define roles and responsibilities

Even if you have only one employee the absence of a job description and proper training will diminish that person’s effectiveness. Poor attitudes will develop because of misunderstandings and misguided expectations. You will find that fewer things are left undone when you give someone ownership over each and every task. Pride of ownership also leads to improved accuracy and quality.

Build a democracy

Employers who resist making time for team meetings usually don’t understand their purpose. These gatherings are not a place to gripe and point fingers. As leaders embrace the importance of developing a values-driven culture they understand the power of building a democracy and inspiring their workers to contribute on all levels. If you don’t have a mission, get feedback and ideas from your team and create one together. If systems aren’t in place, recruit people to outline and test them. Celebrate successes and discuss ways to improve the business. Just because you encourage input and action from your employees does not mean you’ve lost control of your business. A leader who inspires and offers trust will lead a team to victory far more readily than one who withholds it.

Check your fear at the door

My company reviews often find that employees are left frustrated and unmotivated by employers who demonstrate moodiness and impatience. I’ve worked with entrepreneurs long enough to know that these unstable emotions are typically the result of fear and uncertainty. If your company is struggling it’s important to understand that structure is critical to success. Hire a coach as an outlet for your fear and guide to success so that you bring only your confidence and passion to the job. If you’re not secure in your choices and decisions it’s unreasonable to expect employees to perform well.

Hire a manager

As visionaries, not all entrepreneurs are effective in implementation. Your coach can help you to identify resources and action steps, but that doesn’t mean you are the most likely candidate to put them in action. Doctors, for instance, need practice managers; product companies benefit from shipping managers. Does your company need a middle-man? If cost is a concern imagine your life without the minutia. Where could you take your business if you played the role of an entrepreneur, not a trouble-shooter and daily problem solver? The right manager will increase your revenues and pay for themselves in no time.

Read the full article “5 Ways to Run Your Company Like a Well-Oiled Machine” by Marla Tabaka. Copyright © 2014 Inc.com