Surviving A Tough Economy Requires Focused Workers

With a workforce in shock, employers must still somehow run their business.  The pressure is on to find new sales, provide increased value to existing customers and at the same time keep costs down.  It feels like an impossible task and the burden to keep it all together is taking a toll on every manager.

As dreadful as it is, there is hope.  Some employers are managing and even thriving during these tough times.  Many realize that they can't do it all themselves and have rallied their workforce behind them.  Motivating workers does not require lots of money and frills. 

Surviving in a tough economy requires a two-prong approach-addressing the immediate crisis, while positioning your organization for the long-term.  Too many managers sacrifice their future by simply focusing on today.  Taking a slash and burn approach to management, they cut people, programs, and plans in hopes that in doing so they'll survive the crisis, while worrying about tomorrow when it comes.  Unfortunately, those who don't plan for the future often don't have one.

Those managers who are doing well, or at least who are doing better, have avoided panicking and have taken a strong leadership role in their company.  They have shown their workforce that they are in charge-providing them badly needed reassurance.  People respond to strong leadership.

During these times communications is imperative.  Studies show that employees want to know the state of their organization's business.  Being kept in the dark fuels rumors and further panic.  When that occurs, productivity tanks, quality and service plummet, and creativity and innovation disappear.  And if that's not bad enough, key employees, those stars that are desperately needed, look for safer harbors.

Updating your people is not enough.  To rally your workforce, you need a plan to weather the downturn and position yourself for the future.  Give them specifics and let them know where they are needed.  Let them know they have a role.  Seek their input. When you ask and listen to someone's opinion, you give them power and control-two ingredients critical for increased performance and productivity.

It is clear during these times that we are going to have to do things differently.  The economy requires it.  Your customers demand it.  We need to be flexible.  We must be prepared to change-and employees must be prepared to embrace the new ways of doing business.  Talk to your people.  Explain why it is important.  Educate them.

Finally, get your people focused.  You are not going to survive with a "woe is me" attitude.  Get them behind the plan.  Focus on improving your operations.  Embrace innovation and change.  Make them believers and they'll become energized and engaged.

The economy has dealt us all a lousy hand.  We can fold right now, as many have chosen.  Or, we can take the cards we have been dealt and stay in the game.  It's your choice.

Step up, take charge, and move forward.  Your workforce will rally and your customer will follow.