It always amazes me that when economic times get tough, and businesses need to cut back to save money, the first thing to go is employee training and development. What a HUGE mistake companies and corporations make when they cut out one of the most important perks they can give their leaders and managers. In a short article in the American management Association, Executive Matters Newsletter, Mr. Quint Studer states emphatically, "Great leadership is everything!" Here, here! The important fact that he shares is that companies who have mediocre leadership can do great in a booming economy, but when the times really get tough that just won't do. That's when great leaders and managers come to the forefront and ensure their organizations survive.
So how do organizations create a culture of sustainable leadership. Well, it doesn't happen overnight and it can be done if you don't throw solid training and development opportunities out the door.
Here are some suggestions that can yield quick wins and get your organization on the right path to surviving these tough economic times.
Put together a plan to get through this economic downturn. Set objectives, align company goals and make sure employees are on the right track to meeting those goals. Scrutinize expenses and eliminate waste. Communicate the plan to all employees so they know what's happening and can plan for their future too.
Be honest with your employee and don't be afraid to address the tough issues. If you start closing the door and conduct meetings in secret your going to harm morale. This is insulting and erodes employee trust. Your employees are adults, treat them that way. That's how you gain appreciation, and build trust.
Give your managers and supervisors the information they need to answer employee questions. Don't let rumor mills start because they undermine morale. Tell your managers the truth, and give them answers they can share with their employees. Everyone needs to speak in the same voice and reinforce your company's survival strategy.
Keep fear out of your company. Fear can permeate a company and if you don't nip it in the bud it will take over. Employees need to be able to express their concerns and YOU need to listen to them so you clearly understand their issues.
Chuck the dead wood. This is a tough one but you need to get rid of low performers. They waste everyone's time and unfortunately, in tough times, the day of reckoning arrives fast. Right now is when you need to keep your middle performers and superstars, NOT your low performers!
Hang on to your top and solid performers. I don't think anyone is willingly going to walk out the door, but you can't afford to lose your best talent. Look at the perks you have to offer that don't cost a lot of money. Is there anything you can do to add some satisfiers to their daily work? This is a great time to get creative and it's easier if your leaders, managers, and employees help you come up with some new ideas.
Manage up.....Always! Call a halt to any negative talk you hear. Make sure you continually reinforce the great things you know about the company. Keep a positive outlook and build everyone's confidence that together you'll get through these tough times. This will keep customers coming back and employees in a better place, emotionally.
Customer Service should be shining under a 1000-watt bulb! Your customers are pure gold in tough economic times. Remember, they can buy from anyone and you're just another fish in the barrel unless you stand out from the rest . Give your customers what they want and don't assume they're happy because they're not complaining.
Think about some of these suggestions and see how they can work for you, your leaders, managers and employees. There's no easy way to survive tough economic times, but with a few changes in how you do things and in your own attitude about the future, you'll stand a better chance at surviving than your competition.
At Performance Connect we can help you build great leaders with programs that incorporate the DiSC assessment and focus on key skills needed by leaders and managers today in the areas of leadership, management, communication, employee performance, team building and interpersonal skills. Certified facilitator for Gordon International Leadership Effectiveness Training, Synergistic Selling, and Conflict Resolution, Kepner Tregoe Problem Solving/Decision Making, DDI Targeted Selection and Interaction Management, and DiSC Programs and Assessments. Go to www.performance-connect.com to see what we have to offer.
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