Systems
The E-Myth Revisited
Michael E. Gerber
Why most small businesses fail — and how systems save them.
Recommended for: Finding and Keeping Good Employees
All Challenges
Employees
Finding and Keeping Good Employees
Build a dependable recruiting, onboarding, development, and recognition process.
The Challenge
Strengthen recruiting, referrals, scorecards, interviews, onboarding, training, culture, career paths, recognition, and leadership.
Why This Happens
- The problem has not been defined clearly enough to solve.
- Daily urgency has replaced a consistent process.
- The business is not measuring the few activities and results that matter most.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- 1.What is happening now?
- 2.How long has this been a problem?
- 3.What have you already tried?
- 4.What result do you want in the next 90 days?
- 5.What number would show improvement?
- 6.Who owns the next action?
What to Do First
1
Write down the current facts without assumptions.
2
Choose one measurable result for the next 30 days.
3
Schedule the first action and assign clear ownership.
Step-by-Step Solution
- 1
Identify the root cause instead of treating only the symptom.
- 2
Choose the smallest practical action that can create evidence.
- 3
Use the related tool or worksheet to organize the work.
- 4
Review progress every week and adjust from real results.
- 5
Share what worked so another owner can learn from it.
Three Levels of Solutions
Quick Win
Do this today
Write a one-paragraph description of the person you need and why they'd want to work here.
Build the System
Next 30 days
Create a simple hiring and onboarding checklist and a 30/60/90-day plan.
Long-Term Transformation
Where you're headed
A reputation as a great place to work that attracts good people.
Lessons From the Pass It On Library
From The Servant
People stay where they are respected and developed.
Framework: Leadership Self-Check
From The E-Myth Revisited
Onboarding systems make new hires successful faster.
Framework: Technician (does the work) · Manager (creates order) · Entrepreneur (builds the future)
Pass It On Action
Ask your best employee why they stay.
Your Action Plans
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7-Day Action Plan
- Day 1 — Identify the problem: write down exactly how “Finding and Keeping Good Employees” shows up in your business.
- Day 2 — Review the numbers: gather the facts, figures, and examples connected to this challenge.
- Day 3 — Find the root cause: answer “What is happening now?”
- Day 4 — Choose one change: Write down the current facts without assumptions.
- Day 5 — Assign responsibility: name ONE owner, a deadline, and the expected result.
- Day 6 — Implement: Choose one measurable result for the next 30 days.
- Day 7 — Review what happened: what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ll do next week.
30-Day Action Plan
Week 1 — Diagnose
- Answer: What is happening now?
- Answer: How long has this been a problem?
- Answer: What have you already tried?
- Complete the 7-Day Action Plan.
Week 2 — Build
- Create a simple hiring and onboarding checklist and a 30/60/90-day plan.
- Identify the root cause instead of treating only the symptom.
- Choose the smallest practical action that can create evidence.
- Use the related tool or worksheet to organize the work.
Week 3 — Implement
- Review progress every week and adjust from real results.
- Share what worked so another owner can learn from it.
- Train the people involved and assign owners.
Week 4 — Measure & Improve
- Compare results to where you started.
- Write one lesson learned.
- Adjust the process.
- Share what you learned with someone in the fellowship.
Biblical Principles
Wisdom for the journey — encouraging stewardship, integrity, and service, never a promise of guaranteed success.
#51 · Employees
Pay workers fairly
Luke 10:7
#52 · Employees
Pay people on time
Deuteronomy 24:14–15
#60 · Employees
Reward faithfulness
1 Timothy 5:18
Related Challenges
Recommended Books
Approved Bookshelf resources related to this challenge.
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Challenge → Diagnose → Prioritize → Learn → Take Action → Measure → Improve → Help Someone Else
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