Here are a few tricks I use when short-staffed. First, hire temporary staff to handle simple, transactional tasks, and assign team leaders to monitor them. Stretch the existing team if needed but compensate fairly. Monetary rewards like spot bonuses can be great motivators. And if everything truly can’t get done, don’t force it. Focus on prioritising the most critical tasks so that essential responsibilities are handled effectively. All the best!

When short-staffed, I focus on prioritizing essential tasks that directly impact clients and the bottom line. In my businesses, I've learned to rely on technology to streamline processes, reduce bottlenecks, and keep things moving smoothly. Clear communication is key—everyone needs to understand priorities and expectations. I also trust my team to take ownership, and if needed, I bring in external help to fill gaps. My team and I also investigate why we've ended up in a crunch and what we can do to avoid being in the same position. Did we take on a project that's too big for our current resources? Were our contingencies lacking or unsuitable? We learn from the situation and move forward knowing how to do better next time.

Being short-staffed requires adaptability, clear communication, and prioritization. First, it’s crucial to assess and prioritize tasks, focusing on what will have the most significant impact. Delegating tasks based on team strengths and ensuring everyone understands their role is key to maintaining productivity. Additionally, fostering a supportive team culture, where everyone is aligned and can step in when needed, helps keep morale high. Lastly, I would make sure to communicate with leadership about the challenges and look for opportunities to streamline processes or bring in temporary support where possible.