Relationships are built on agreed codes of practice, agreed principles and standards of acceptable behavior. There must be a shared understanding of doing that which is right toward each other. When someone does something right, it must be rewarded. Likewise, when someone does something wrong, it must be addressed immediately.

The successful business owner or manager holds him or herself accountable by way of example in setting this ‘trust’ culture. They make sure that the people in the business are clear about its purpose and that everyone has clear objectives that are well understood by all. Everyone knows what part they play in achieving the business objectives. Where the benefits, accountabilities and responsibilities are shared within strong bonds of mutual trust and clearly defined roles and functions, high performance is the result.

Plan Effectively
Effective businesses have clearly understood planning mechanisms in place. A successful small business plan ensures that the company’s objectives are met. This is because the people within the business know exactly what they need to do.

People throughout the business also have the opportunity of feeding their experience and knowledge into the planning systems. No one, single person within a successful business has all the answers. Therefore, effective business owners and managers adopt a stance of humility, and they are always listening for that new piece of information from the people around them to incorporate into their thinking and planning. This is what gives them the adaptive edge that is missing in a mediocre business. Planning is based on honest and open relationships and two way communication. This ensures that bad news, as well as good news, is talked about and acted on.

Business policy development, systems, procedures and processes all support the objectives and goals of the business. People throughout the business are engaged in sharing their ideas and thoughts and making positive contributions to the overall wellbeing of the successful business.