Tough Times Need Skilled Managers

We are currently faced with the toughest economic times imaginable. Downsizing, layoffs and firings abound and everyone is struggling to keep their heads above water. This is change at it's most dramatic. That's why the skills your managers have to handle change are crucial to your organization's and your employee's survival.

Let's take a look at what it takes for managers to be successful in steering your organization through these tough times.

First, let's be honest, change is not easy, in fact it's downright painful. But skilled managers realize this and know that the way you can take the blow from dramatic change and keep standing is not to fight the change but to be flexible and roll with the punches. This may be a new behaviors for some people, but skilled managers know the only behavior that will work in the long run is being adaptable, accepting the change and making it work for their people, the organization and themselves.

Now, more than ever, you need to stay positive. This is really tough because everything you know is changing around you. You're aggravated, confused, stressed and you feel like you're at your wits end. Rather than give in to these feelings, recognize that change gives us great opportunities to grow if we can recognize the opportunity, seize it and act upon it.

Focus your employees on the road ahead. Run a tight ship so people know where they are going, what is expected of them, and what the outcome will look like when they get there. This can be tricky because the outcomes from change are not always clear. But, if you can instill clear thinking and strategic direction toward short-range objectives, each small achievement will add up to long term success and the ability to survive change.

Know your priorities and eliminate non-value added activities. Keep your priorities clear and manage you people's objectives through ongoing feedback so they are not wasting time on activities that have little payoff. Do what must be done and keep the want to do's for less conflicted times.

Get people's feelings about change out in the open. Be a good listener and don't be afraid to share your thought around change. Just remember, you support higher management. You must remain an advocate for change, while dealing with your own feelings about it. Ultimately, your goal is to encourage your people to accept and embrace change as you all learn from the experience.

Change is also a time when morale can drop like a lead balloon. Make your people feel valued and build team spirit. People need to know that they're not alone and that by working together they're helping everyone make it through to the end of the journey.

Good communication is crucial. Make sure your continually communicate key information your people need to stay on top of change. Don't let rumors or misinformation take hold. If this happens, clarify rumors quickly so you don't end up with additional problems to deal with.

During times of change, people look to their own needs and taking care of those needs comes first. Remember, until they feel comfortable and can begin accepting the change, you're wasting your time trying to get them to pay attention to their work and maintain productivity. One excellent way you can help is to respond to their issues immediately. This way, everyone can start concentrating on what needs to be done to ensure the company and their jobs survive.

In tough times, great managers can become great leaders! Don't let catastrophic changes in your company or industry undermine your ability to manage change and manage it successfully. Your people are looking to you to get them through this. Giving them direction, communicating and listening to their issues and sharing and implementing a strategy going forward will make you the kind of leader they need and YOU need to be!

For more information on our strategic leadership and management training programs go to www.performance-connect.com.

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