Leaders, managers and business owners, if you're sitting around worrying about the economy, don't! It's not going to turn around today, tomorrow, or a few months from now. You're just plain going to have to live with it for a while. And, like it or not, we're in it until we're not. So rather than spending time fretting, why not get bullish about it and look at ways to improve your own personal outlook and that of your employees and others.
To help you, here are some tips you may want to consider.
Be optimistic. Remember, for every door that closes, another one opens and what you see on the other side could knock your socks off.
Believe it or not, this economic downturn will only hurt for a little while. It will get better, we will rise up from the ashes and for some it may even be a panacea of opportunity if you play your cards right.
Don't bury your head in the sand. Stay in the know, ask the right questions, get input from your people and make them part of the solution.
Be a risk taker. Since almost everyone is afraid to make a move, the effect of doing nothing can be devastating. Don't take stupid risks but test the waters and see if something comes up that could be even better for you.
Work closely with the people that keep you going. Whether it's your employees, clients, or customers, collaborate with them and work on new approaches to getting things done. When the economy comes back up, you'll be ahead of the game.
Reward people often for working hard, being there, and caring about the future of their jobs and the business you're in. It doesn't have to be anything expensive but it does have to be given sincerely and given freely.
Plan strategically for what comes next and include your best people in the activity. It gives them an opportunity to think strategically, to work on short and long range goals, and to see themselves as part of the future of the business going forward.
So I ask you, are you going to be a bear, curled up in your den, hoping you wake up to a brilliant sunny morning, or a bull, ready to take charge and chase down that red cape to new and even better opportunities. Remember, the choice is YOURS!
Reference: Lantz, Gayle, Take the Bull by the Horns
