A cure for the ridiculous virus

I’ve learned, as a small business owner, that it is quite possible to spend a large portion of time dealing with bureaucracy. Although a human resources department would ideally handle any long processes or red tape, smaller companies often cannot afford to maintain this separate department. It is therefore very important that small business owners learn to deal with bureaucratic matters with intelligence, efficiency and a sense of humor.

I recently had the great joy of working with the unemployment office. For eight months with little resolution, I was caught in the black hole of the unemployment process after letting someone go. Currently I’m appealing the appeal of the appeal because of the appeal after the appeal. It has become a never-ending maze and time drain.

When faced with any long or tedious situation that steals precious time from your business, it is very easy to come down with the “ridiculous virus.” This virus presents in many ways, but the most common symptoms include:

– Frustration
– Anger
– “Why do I have to do that?”
– Impatience
– Confusion

I’ve realized that I am susceptible to this virus whenever I go near government offices, insurance companies, vendors, or any other organization that involves reams of paperwork.

In the absence of an HR department, small companies do have to deal with these organizations. And, in order to manage and grow our businesses, we have to navigate these bureaucratic procedures efficiently and intelligently. It is therefore necessary that we learn to overcome the ridiculous virus.

After years of experience, I am learning how best to negotiate these processes while staying healthy and focused on my business goals. Some of the more helpful practices include:

– Keep those business goals in mind. Although it is easy to get swept up in bureaucratic processes and paperwork, it is critical to recognize that these distractions are small when compared to your business vision.
– Explore and prioritize where to spend time, energy and money. After a period of time, be sure to put the paperwork aside and dedicate the remaining time and energy to your business.
– Remain calm and professional. Breathe and try to find the humor in the situation.

For many small companies, bureaucracy can easily steal time and energy away from other important tasks. By returning to — and staying true to — business goals, prioritizing where time and energy is spent, and looking for the humor in piles of paperwork, we can spend less time and energy (not to mention psychological drain) on these long processes and devote more energy to the growth and well being of our businesses.