In a recent blog I described how corporate productivity measures such as computerized scheduling can adversely affect business growth. My example was WalMart’s decision to reschedule employee shifts so they reflect the peaks and valleys of customer hours. Unfortunately, the shift changes made it very difficult for employees to schedule any family or personal activities, and morale suffered.

Changing key organization systems such as employee scheduling may pose an even greater problem in sole proprietor businesses, although a business owner and his or her first employee often have lots of time to agree on issues such as hours, responsibilities and expectations.

One acquaintance of mine was recently hired by a sole proprietor to take over administrative tasks that the entrepreneur found too time-consuming or unpleasant. This entrepreneur, like many other small business owners, believed himself lucky to find someone obviously overqualified but willing to “work his way up.”

The entrepreneur was in the business of helping companies define and achieve objectives, so he should have known all about time management training and similar productivity processes. Ironically, he hired an assistant so he could actually spend less time organizing his own business. It isn’t surprising that it soon took so long to explain what he wanted and how he wanted it done, it was faster for him to do it himself.

The entrepreneur should have developed a good time management worksheet and project plan, and stuck to them. But he didn’t take the time to read any magazine articles on time management and team productivity. Even following a daily action plan proved to be more than he could handle. The arrangement became frustrating for both men, and within a few months disintegrated into mutual disappointment.

Before hiring anyone, entrepreneurs should clearly define their objectives, organize time management training sessions, and identify key business efficiencies that relate to their work and organization.

Take the time to make your new business as well organized, efficient and productive as possible. Lacking the organization skills or experience to do this yourself, make finding an expert to help you a high priority, like getting good legal and financial advisors. If you open a business without proper organization controls, you may soon begin feeling like you’re trying to change a flat tire on your car without stopping first!