If your company is laying people off, you may have already discovered that survivor’s syndrome is real. It isn’t just a phenomenon of war or natural disasters. It’s a contagion that can spread like wildfire through an organization after workforce reductions have occurred. Its symptoms, which include cynicism, distrust, reduced loyalty, and increased absenteeism, are the last things a company needs when facing troubling times.
One of the most important aspects of leadership, especially during rough economic times, is being real. Often leaders, especially newer ones, try to exude confidence by wearing a disguise with the end result being confusion, resentment, or in worst case scenarios sabotage. Cogency Group understands how tempting, yet detrimental it can be to wear that disguise. Being honest may place leadership in a vulnerable position in the short term but will pay dividends in the long term with respect earned from employees and worker satisfaction levels that will help keep productivity on track.
If you’re the captain of the ship, by now you should have advised your crew to don their life preservers. How you proceed will determine whether you will experience smooth sailing, relatively speaking at least, or join the ranks of the Titanic.
Posted in Economic Downturn
Everyone is worried about the economy. Where does your organization stand? Has putting your guard up obstructed your view?
Our nation, if not practically the whole world, is in a steep recession. It’s not news anymore. What continues to make headlines on a daily basis are the subcomponents of the bigger story which of course has a human element – companies big and small laying off swaths of workers, creating ripple effects that send shock waves across entire industries. While various newspaper columns chronicle the debates of how best to contain this behemoth, you’re stuck wondering how your own organization will navigate an onslaught metaphorically reminiscent of the 2005 hurricane season.
Cogency Group’s Capability Mindset reminds us that tough economic times shouldn’t immediately force an organization into a reactionary posture. Stay focused on the big picture. Keep the company’s goals in perspective and properly conceptualized. Stakeholders, i.e. employees and investors likely came onboard in the first place because of the vision the company embodied when times were better. Losing focus and not dealing with challenges methodically will bring about bewildering stress or possible pandemonium which could dampen productivity at a time when it’s needed most.
Posted in Economic Downturn
