In Tough Times Build Bridges, Not Trenches
Ahh, the blog! A way to connect; a way to communicate; a way to share and learn and reflect and yes, maybe even laugh. So bear with me – here’s my first entry.
Because of the economic times, many businesses are caught in this recession, and managers, business owners and executives are looking for ways to be more efficient, more effective and simply work smarter. They’re having to make tough financial, staffing and resource decisions. But these decisions are made even harder because they are often based on an incorrect premise.
Most managers look at times like these and decide to cut back, dig in, and build trenches instead of bridges. Their mistaken premise is one of fear and that will only lead to decisions that are fear-based, contracted and have chaotic and unpredictable consequences. Now is NOT the time to take charge and take over. Now is the time to collaborate and cooperate; to invest in employees, improve employee relations and training and communication. Now is the time to think expansively, calmly and strategically.
So, take stock, take heart and take a deep breath. Then take a look at what’s working in your organization; focus on those things and build on them. Find ways to train, retrain, recognize, and reward your employees. Ask for their help, their guidance and especially their support. Ask them for suggestions on how to improve systems and processes that can make their job easier and the organization more efficient. Create an environment with a message that says “we’ll get through this together.”
And now is the time to stop reading this blog and start acting on some of the previous suggestions. I know I’m sometimes derided for my advice to move away from Fear and manage from Love (aka, respect, kindness, civility, empathy) but I’m asking you to think about it and think about how it can change, improve and create success in your company.
I hope to hear from you – what you’ve tried; what went well and what you may need help with; what you’re thinking and what you disagree with. Come back and check out the second of my ongoing blog for more ideas and on how to manage your business to success.
RX for Building Bridges: What does every one want more of?? TIME!
Give everyone in your department or your organization a gift certificate for a FREE extra hour off work to do what ever they need between now and Nov. 31st. They must turn in the certificate to their manager when they take it but there can be no unreasonable restrictions, no judgments, no recriminations. Watch the reaction, see their surprise and enjoy the positive response.
November 8th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Mary, your blog is refreshing, bold and spot on relative to decision-making in a time of distress (however that may be defined).
Kudos to you in taking the step into the blogosphere. A great first blog! I can easily imagine your “prescriptions” helping to “heal” many a people and organization!
In fact, I’ve seen it in action in your highly effective training workshops.
All the best to you in your endeavors!
Patrick Brewis
Quality Training
November 9th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Mary,
It is a great start for a blog. I have no great wisdoms to add yet.
November 10th, 2008 at 9:07 am
very professional, great - all the best for you,
Alexander
November 10th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Mary,
Thank you for the blog!I love it!!
I have utilized your HARP lessons successfully in working with some challenging dynamics with customers and in managing my team in the field. In addition, in re-evaluating the year, I have found that you can never tell the employees enough about benefits. Our company has wonderful benefits, but some employees don’t remember what they’ve enrolled in halfway through the year. Equally, it has been a proven winner to conduct a weekly conference call with those employees who work in the field and you rarely get to see them in the office. And finally, it has been such a great feeling to know that my staff is working toward something- even it’s a small goals. I encourage them every year to set a goal that they want to achieve. Whether it is moving up to another position or just overcoming a small challenge with a customer- it gives them something to look forward to each day.
Our company began LEAN (Six Sigma brainchild) training this past summer, but my administrative staff couldn’t relate to it since it involved more of cleaning up the workplace rather than improving an internal process. I spun the training around to improving our processes when something didn’t work. The administrative staff were given opportunities to create projects, post them on the intranet and work with a team toward achieving the project goal. Wow, what a difference it made when I gave them the reigns to create something from their own imagination and creativity! They learned a lot (so did I)and now when there’s a crack in the process- they immediately say, “sounds like a LEAN project to me.” I’m loving it.
So, I believe that communication and trusting in the creativity of each individual is a major component in keeping the team together and working toward positive goals at every level.
Thanks for the opportunity to share……
November 12th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Mary,
An informative and imaginative website, easy to navigate! Congratulations.
Our company team meetings with you over the past 3 years have always been inspirational and you have helped us become a world class team.
Lynne Winfield
January 5th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Mary,
Loved the article on Building Bridges for business — what a perfect example of how you combine your strengths of intuitive coaching and people-promotion! Can’t wait to read your 2009 words of wisdom for business. May 2009 be your best year to-date!
Cathy Davis
Davis Creative