Are you using your tools the way they're designed or intended?

Every business, company and organization has a virtual toolbox. It doesn't matter if it's a for profit, non-profit or even just a friendly group - there are various tools in the people and processes within each group that allow them to function at a wide range of levels of success and efficiency. Every tool is slightly if not gravely different and should be utilized according to its makeup. Some tools are more critical and provide more value than others, as employees do, and need to have greater focus on their utility.

In your toolbox at home, whether you're a man or woman, will probably have a hammer, several different types of screwdrivers and pliers, various sizes and angles of wrenches, some brand of lubricant (probably WD-40) and everyone's must have - duct tape! While every one of these tools carries out the overall role of keeping your stuff in tact and good condition, each one has its own special use. If you try to use a screwdriver as a chisel (as we all have) you will probably damage the tip. Who hasn't used a wrench or other tool as a hammer or pry bar with more trash items as a result. The reason we do this is because we just want to get the task accomplished and either don't feel we have the time or are too lazy to go get the right tool.

The right tool may even already be in your toolbox or you may need to make a hardware store run to get it. Either way, if you want to do the job right, you need to have the proper tool. The concept of having tools in your organizational toolbox is much the same, in that, your employees - each one being of differing personalities and skillsets - should be used and trained to their best abilities. This doesn't always happen even with the best of intentions. Your business processes also are part of your toolbox and must be sharpened (clearly defined and enforced) on a regular basis to be functional.

Employees are typically the least properly utilized tools in your toolbox and the most important to your success. I know some of you are thinking to yourself - but I have an automated business model - it doesn't matter, because someone has to monitor it and keep it running. Along with employees comes the processes that make up your business. If they aren't clear to your employees, then you are taking a huge risk of not having things done the same way and to the quality level envisioned for the organization.

Do you really know what kind of functions your employees are serving and are they the right person for the job? Most of the time, simple communications with them can ensure that both of you are in the right place at the right time. Don't damage your tools by ignoring or abusing them. Take good care of them and they'll perform the tasks that you need them to - efficiently and effectively - for as long as possible.