It does not take the threat of a recession to disrupt your workplace culture. The slightest hint of an aggressive competitor, economic downturn or management shuffle can ripple through an organization and quickly evolve into widespread panic.
And how does that affect the people who carry out the day-to-day functions of a workplace? Simple -– they stop functioning. Whether it is the time wasted talking about the threat, the energy spent complaining about how the company is handling it, or the lost focus due to worrying, fulfilling the mission of the organization is no longer a priority.
What starts this panic? Initially, employees may see the company begin to tighten the belt on expenses; anything from mandating virtual conferences instead of travel, to tracking the number of photocopies in each department. And they start to wonder.
Next, they might be asked to account for their time and activity while they are at work. They may hear words like "efficiencies" and "streamlining." Their worry escalates and their jobs feel threatened. Who can blame them for losing focus on their daily work?
Sometimes this panic has nothing to do with what is happening in the workplace. We are all bombarded with dire forecasts and fear-fueled interpretations daily on television and the Internet. How can employees focus on their jobs when they are worried about gas prices, food prices and how they will pay for their children's college tuition?
A Message to Management - Communicate
Corporate leaders have to take action and stop the panic before it starts, by being proactive and communicating directly and frequently with your employees about the situation. Make it a two-way conversation – do not talk "at" them, talk with them.
You can filter what they are seeing on the news and on the web, and help them to discern myth from fact. Show them that you are working behind the scenes, preparing and planning for different scenarios. Point out how the news story does or doesn't relate to your specific industry and organization.
Remind them about past "threats" and how you came through them. Day-to-day workers need to know that their work is part of a bigger picture, and that someone IS steering the ship; the organization is not at the whim of the economy, and management does have a plan. When employees have faith that any threats are being handled, they can concentrate on their jobs.
Above all, reassure your best talent on how valuable they are to you, and that you will do everything you can to keep them.
A Message to Employees – Lead by Example
Each individual employee has an opportunity and a responsibility to create your workplace culture. Whether you are a team leader at the front of a boardroom, or just another guy at the water cooler, you can have just as much of a profound influence.
Avoid gossip, complaining and spreading rumors, and leave those conversations when they are already happening. Better still, steer the conversation to a more positive topic that will keep your colleagues focused on your common work goals.
Management can do their part by communicating directly to dispel myths or misconceptions. Employees can do their part to steer workplace conversations back to the task at hand. Together, you can create a strong, positive workplace culture that won't be swayed by current events.
Author Resource:-
For over 15 years, Mark Ford has been inspiring countless leaders to do things a little bit differently, to put fun back into the equation & to think outside the box. He has assisted top level executives and business leaders to increase individual & organizational performance, as well as to improve communication, leadership & motivation. Sign for Marks monthly newsletter www.ffgroupconsulting.comFor over 15 years, Mark Ford has been inspiring countless leaders to do things a little bit differently, to put fun back into the equation & to think outside the box. He has assisted top level executives and business leaders to increase individual & organizational performance, as well as to improve communication, leadership & motivation. Sign for Marks monthly newsletter www.ffgroupconsulting.comFor over 15 years, Mark Ford has been inspiring countless leaders to do things a little bit differently, to put fun back into the equation & to think outside the box. He has assisted top level executives and business leaders to increase individual & organizational performance, as well as to improve communication, leadership & motivation. Sign for Marks monthly newsletter www.ffgroupconsulting.com
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(c) Copyright 2008, Mark Ford
http://www.ffgroupconsulting.com -------------------------------
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