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Building Character - Move up when the pressure is on

Written by: Geoff Flemming

Article Overview: Whilst it seems that the current financial situation was in some ways inevitable, it has created a fervour among the press somewhat like seagulls around a discarded packet of chips on the beach! We've heard the term 'bad news sells' and have proven the point repeatedly over the last few months. The challenge this creates within organisations is that it causes 'politics' and infighting because of uncertainty. Peoples' performance will suffer and decisions become clouded by personal needs rather than benefiting organisational goals and direction.

Building Character - Move up when the pressure is on

From a leaders' perspective, when the pressure is on we can become so concerned with what makes us feel good that we forget what makes us great!

Pat Lencioni, author of the best selling book '5 Dysfunctions of a Team' says that now is a good time to invest in the general health of your organisation. When business is slow the key is to 'build trust and create behavioural cohesiveness'.



The need for a 'forward focus' is never more apparent than when times are uncertain. Given that what we know for certain is that at some stage the market will bounce back the key now is to create health and certainty so that when this occurs your organisation will be stronger than ever.

When your competitors are possibly 'tactically' reacting to the current situation the key is to create a strategic advantage! Last year for example it may have been difficult to differentiate yourself. Now it is much easier. Whilst your competitors are struggling the secret is to create a cultural difference!

Building a cultural difference is all about developing organisational health. It is about creating behavioural cohesiveness. It is creating a feeling that regardless of the current circumstances that you have a 'focus forward' and that you, your team and the organisation will continue to get better.

Develop a plan now with your key people - those you can trust who will add value and compliment your team. A plan to grow, diversify or acquire.
Great attitude with sales people right now is vital. They must have focus and be the best problem solvers in the market. You will also need to run regular 'energy' sessions with them as well as maintaining accountability.
Hold regular mini meetings with your leaders / managers to discuss good news and review your 'metrics'. These will save lots of time during the day and keep everyone in touch and on the same page. Your people will interrupt each other considerably less during the day.
Run weekly high energy team sessions. Effective team meetings provide communications, clarity and embrace the power of focused collective intelligence.
Make attendance mandatory and on time with no excuses - disciplined organisations exude success!!
All meetings should be short and highly structured. Their primary purpose is to create energy and refocus the team. Problem solving can be done off line.
The leader needs to DRIVE the process! Otherwise it will be driven by external forces.
As we have all learnt, when the market is strong and we have many 'shining lights' or ready made opportunities in front if us, we forget to plan for the future. Right now there are no excuses which is a good thing. Now is a good time to make a difference.

Significant opportunities present themselves only to those who choose to look for them!

Choose organisational health now by investing in building a highly cohesive team - and when the market rebounds you will be stronger than ever!

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Article Tags: Business Coaching, Crucial Conversations, high performance teams, leadership training, motivation, organisational goals



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