Running a business is hard enough without having to play guessing games about who’s doing what. I see it all the time—owners frustrated because their staff aren’t meeting expectations, and staff confused about what those expectations actually are. The missing piece? Clear, direct feedback.
Why Clarity Matters
Think about the last time you were disappointed by someone’s work. Did you spell out exactly what you wanted, or did you just assume they’d figure it out? Most of us fall into the second camp. But here’s the thing: your team can’t read your mind. If you want them to succeed, you have to be direct and specific about what needs to change.
The Power of Start-Stop-Keep
Here’s a simple framework I recommend to every business owner I work with: Start-Stop-Keep. It’s straightforward, easy to remember, and it works in every area of your business—from the front desk to the leadership team.
- Start: What should your team start doing to improve results?
- Stop: What isn’t working and needs to stop—immediately?
- Keep: What’s going well and should absolutely continue?
And be specific. Tell them the expectation around each of these and when it should be started or stopped.
I’ve talked about this tool for big-picture organizational changes, but it’s just as powerful for day-to-day management. Whether you’re giving feedback to an individual, a department, or the whole company, Start-Stop-Keep helps everyone get on the same page.
How to Use It
Don’t wait for annual reviews. Use Start-Stop-Keep in your regular check-ins, team meetings, or even quick hallway conversations. Be specific—“Start sending weekly updates on project status,” “Stop missing deadlines,” “Keep collaborating with other departments.”
When your team knows exactly what you want them to start, stop, and keep doing, you’ll see less confusion and more consistent results. You’ll spend less time putting out fires and more time growing your business.
Your team members are not mind readers. They don’t know your expectations. Be clear, concise, and give timeframes.
Take the guesswork out of managing your team.
If you want more practical tools to make your business run smoother, let’s connect
Ways to Work Together
If you are feeling trapped in your business and not experiencing the freedom you want, here are the two ways we can work together.
Accelerate is a 3-month mastermind starting in July, designed to help you break through business roadblocks and create lasting change. For $1500, you’ll get a 1-hour deep dive with Stephanie, weekly mastermind coaching, fast email support, and exclusive access to all German Business Consulting resources. Stop feeling stuck, isolated, or overwhelmed—Accelerate gives you the support and clarity you need to move forward. Set yourself up for success and build a business you love.
Clarity Call: Ready to build a business that gives you true freedom? I create custom solutions tailored to your industry, goals, and vision of success—so you can love your business again. Click above to schedule a call to clarify your goals, tackle roadblocks, and see how we can work together.
Business Roadmap: This is for business owners who want clear, actionable next steps—not another generic course. Get a plan tailored to your business, clarity on what matters, and the resources to move forward. Walk away knowing exactly what to do—and what to ignore—so you can save time, money, and avoid years of frustration.
A fourth way, and I know I only said two, but sometimes I can’t help myself. If you are feeling stuck and are in need of resources, reach out. I am happy to point you in the right direction and even provide an asset of my own to help you move forward.
Stephanie German is a business strategist, adjunct professor, and speaker. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and loves giving back to her community in a variety of ways. When she’s not coaching clients or writing about leadership, Stephanie is usually headed to the mountains or the beach with her family, drinking savory wine, or working on the latest project with her husband. Stephanie’s greatest desires are to raise up the next generation of leaders while raising her own children to be strong, independent, and brave. She lives in Fresno, California with her husband Blake and her three spunky daughters, Cara, Kinsey, and Peyton. She is the best-selling author of So Your Boss Can’t Lead?
I strategically help business owners develop their leadership competencies, implement ways to be more strategic to increase revenue, develop workflows that affect the bottom line, and create work-life integration so they live a life they love. Set up a free 15-minute consult. Click Here.
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Stephanie German is a business strategist, adjunct professor, and speaker. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and loves giving back to her community in a variety of ways. When she’s not coaching clients or writing about leadership, Stephanie is usually headed to the mountains or the beach with her family, drinking savory wine, or working on the latest project with her husband. Stephanie’s greatest desires are to raise up the next generation of leaders while raising her own children to be strong, independent, and brave. She lives in Fresno, California with her husband Blake and her three spunky daughters, Cara, Kinsey, and Peyton. She is the best-selling author of So Your Boss Can’t Lead?