Control is an issue almost everyone struggles with at some point in their life. Because no matter how hard you work, how well you prepare, and how effectively you play your cards, it’s impossible to guarantee success in any venture. After all, when an outcome depends on other people –– in any way –– you can’t predict what’s going to happen. For business owners, they can either let that lack of control gnaw at them until they wither down to exasperated husks of themselves, or they can learn to let go and focus on areas they can influence. To that end, here are four ways you can work to make your business run more efficiently and effectively:

Streamline

Easier said than done, the best businesses nevertheless cut out unnecessary distractions and redundancies within their operation. This can range from practices as simple as combining spreadsheets, to complex measures like integrating a new software program to eliminate excess busywork. Remember: business owners who stay diligent and review their processes often will have a better understanding of what their staff needs to succeed –– and what they could do without.

Lead by Example

Talk is cheap. So are emails, “motivational” posters, and encouraging speeches. Sure, it’s nice to let your employees know that you value them and their effort; but if you really want to inspire and motivate your team, you’ll let your actions speak for themselves. Reward loyalty and hard work within your staff in tangible ways, and strive to cultivate an atmosphere that encourages collaboration and camaraderie. Moreover, show your employees that they’re working toward a meaningful cause through the toil you yourself put into the job. You can’t expect employees to work harder than you.

Trust and Delegate

Does the buck stop with you in regard to every decision made within your office? If so, then you’re likely running an inefficient company. Of course it’s beneficial for management to take an active role in day-to-day proceedings. However, if your employees don’t feel they have license to act on their own, you’ll limit your business’s potential for growth and improvement. What’s more, companies that function like a bureaucracy suffer the same fate as bureaucratic organizations –– i.e., they become slow to react and frustrating to deal with.

Get the Right Tools for the Job

One massive benefit to adopting a hands-on style approach is that you’ll know exactly how your team works to solve problems, interact with customers, etc. It’s then crucial though, to use that knowledge to supply your team with the tech they need to do solid work. Common solutions to intra-office inefficiency issues include the following: messaging apps, CRM updates, and VoIP systems provided by companies like Votacall. Equipping your team with requisite software and hardware is something every business owner needs to address. Otherwise, no amount of effort will help you overcome that disadvantage.