How to Manage HR When You’re Wearing 10 Other Hats
By VICKY BROWN
Managing HR When You’re Wearing 10 Other Hats: A Guide for Entrepreneurs
As a small business owner, you’re already juggling multiple roles – from CEO to sales manager to chief coffee maker. Adding HR responsibilities might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s your practical guide to managing human resources effectively while running your business.
The Truth About HR Support for Small Business
Let’s debunk a common myth: you don’t have to choose between zero HR support and building a full internal HR department. While having expert, full-service HR support is ideal (and yes, outsourcing to professionals is the gold standard), you can build an effective HR foundation that matches your current business stage.
Building Your “HR Lite” System
The key is creating just enough structure to keep things running smoothly and maintain compliance. Here’s how:
Start with the Basics
- Create a one-page onboarding checklist for new hires
- Use AI tools to record and transcribe performance conversations
- Leverage technology for compliance tracking
- Outsource tasks like payroll and benefits administration when possible
Apply Your Customer Experience Skills to HR
Smart entrepreneurs know how to create exceptional customer experiences. Apply these same principles to your team management:
- Map out the employee journey from first contact through long-term engagement
- Design meaningful touchpoints during onboarding and training
- Conduct regular pulse surveys for feedback
- Think of your team members as internal customers
“…And please, use templates. There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel every time you need to write a policy or document a conversation.“
The 80/20 Rule of HR Management
Focus on the vital few activities that prevent most problems:
- Clear, written job expectations
- Regular check-ins with team members
- Well-crafted offer letters
- Documented performance conversations
Streamline with Templates
Don’t waste time reinventing the wheel. Build a template library for policies and documentation, or consider joining our SimpleStart membership for ready-to-use templates and expert guidance.
Building Culture Without the Frills
Forget ping-pong tables and casual Fridays. Real company culture comes from clearly defined expectations and daily actions. Create a one-page Culture Roadmap that includes:
Your Mission
Write it in plain English – why does your company exist? What gets you up in the morning?
Non-Negotiable Values
Define specific behaviors that demonstrate your values. For example:
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- What does “integrity” look like in daily actions?
- How do team members demonstrate excellence?
- What specific behaviors reflect your commitment to customer service?
Daily Habits
Outline the concrete actions that bring your values to life:
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- Response time expectations for client communications
- Daily learning routines
- Team collaboration practices
Whether you’re an entrepreneur jumping into a leadership role, a seasoned business pro with new HR responsibilities, or just starting your HR career – we’ve got the right path to guide you through your HR hurdles.
Check out the Leaders Journey Experience. This online education platform holds the LJE Masterclass, HR SimpleStart Academy and HR FuturePro Academy.
Not sure where to start – take the quiz!
Making Your HR System Work
Remember these key principles:
- Keep documentation simple but consistent
- Focus on prevention rather than reaction
- Use your Culture Roadmap actively in hiring and team management
- Reinforce expectations through regular communication
- Leverage technology
The Bottom Line
You don’t need a corporate HR department to manage your team effectively. What you need is a streamlined system that protects your business while supporting your team’s growth. Whether you’re handling HR yourself or working with professionals, focus on building the right foundation for your current business stage.
By implementing a few practical strategies, you can create an effective HR system that grows with your business – without letting it take over your life. After all, good HR isn’t about overwhelming policies and procedures; it’s about creating an environment where your team can thrive while protecting your business interests.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to HR. The key is finding the right balance for your business stage and needs. Whether you’re managing it yourself or ready to explore professional HR support, start with these fundamentals to build a strong foundation for your team.
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