Turbulent Waters; In need of a Life Line
HIRING A TASK FORCE
Uncertain and challenging market conditions; open sales positions exposing markets and clients to competitors; or over stretching current talent to train and orient new sales associates can often debilitate even the most stable and focused sales teams. Pragmatic, creative and effective performance is suddenly replaced with impulsive and under-developed decisions, leading to further erosion of market share.
One very practical and effective alternative to this sort of chaos and instability may be to procure the infusion of temporary assistance from an experienced task force.
What exactly is a task force? Think of it as a surgical strike team…
A task force should provide a “shot in the arm” that administers high-level talent in tandem with proven resources to jump-start sales efforts and regain focus in critical areas, while leaving in place a direction for the future. A professional, effective company should:
1. Understand the reputation and image of your property is at the core of everything they do
2. Know your customer is always first priority
3. Engage and motivate the property sales team
4. Work directly with senior leadership to develop key objectives with measurable benchmarks prior to and throughout the engagement
5. Operate with complete transparency – reporting findings and resolutions on a consistent and timely basis
6. Require minimal time and energy from property associates- after all they are the specialists
7. Be intensely focused – providing value with every task
Should you consider the assistance of a task force?
An important first step is to objectively review where things are right now and where they’re headed. Be honest as you evaluate your level of success and accomplishment. If you determine your current circumstances could benefit from hiring a task force, consider these points:
1. In order to turn things around you’ll need to honestly evaluate what’s working and what’s not
2. Identify where and why you need help in particular areas
3. Quantify in measurable terms what results you want to accomplish and by when
4. Be prepared to share information honestly and openly to allow the task force staff to quickly get up-to-speed with your business
5. Welcome candid conversation
6. Expect to collaborate in developing realistic measurable goals for the term of the engagement
Keep in mind, the best task force management companies will offer to review these points with you before lending support. As well, they will fully understand the needs of each customer and will propose a realistic, timely and cost-effective plan to meet those needs.
A Few Final Thoughts
Do your research to hire a task force management company with proven experience. Conduct a formal interview process and ask behavioral questions to ensure the staff fits into your property culture.
A reputable company will immediately impart a heightened level of professionalism, work performance and output. You’re hiring a specialist not a temporary employee. This specialist is charged with providing you recommendations for tactical and strategic improvements.
Hire a company that is sought-after and busy with experience in multiple settings that can provide and instill best practices.
It may seem like a lot of work, but the right task force management company will make the process seamless and the choice simple, and you quickly gain the resources and talent you need to uncover and gain new business opportunities.
