Ever hired the wrong "employee" to save a few bucks? I did.

My new property needed maintenance, and instead of a lawn service or even a tractor, I hired two "workers" (spoiler: they were sheep 🐑) for room and board.

At first, it seemed like a win-win. They started munching away at the grass, and I was hopeful. But soon, my lawn was a patchwork of bald spots and overgrown areas. The final straw? They wandered off to my neighbor's beautifully landscaped yard for a leisurely afternoon.

Here's what I learned from Bert and Ernie (yes, that's what we named them):

✔️Define Success
Know what you want to achieve. I expected a manicured lawn but didn't provide the right tools (or species) for the job.

✔️Hire Slow
Rushing into decisions can lead to mismatches. Take the time to ensure you're bringing on the right fit.

✔️Fire Fast
When it's not working out, act quickly. The longer you wait, the more resources you might waste fixing mistakes.

The sheep escapade was a funny but valuable lesson in hiring and managing. Whether it's landscaping or business, the principles remain the same. So next time you're making a hire, remember Bert and Ernie, and choose wisely.