Optimism...When it really counts

OK…I realize that I am only 37 but I have gone through some hard economic times. The normal ups and downs of the economy…a few recessions (a.k.a. the "R" word) and even a Dot Com bubble here and there. As a business consultant I have worked with a great number of CEOs and CMOs who Zigged and Zagged through what was in front of them. Some making good decisions and some…well…not so much. When times get tough, the cream rises to the top and the gap gets a lot wider between the winners and the losers. This is the time when good decisions count the most and take this from experience, you can't make good decisions without a healthy sense of Optimism.

Here are my 5 tips for keeping your wits about you in hard times.

1. Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude and provide a positive sense of leadership and direction.
   
2. Stay focused on what's most important. Realign your goals and share them throughout the organization.
   
3. Keep everything that's good. This means good employees, good vendors, good customers, good service. Its OK to make cuts but do not and I will say this again, DO NOT sacrifice your quality or your values…not even a little.
   
4. Let your employees be part of the solution. They are creative, and they want to feel that they are somewhat in control of their situation. Let them take ownership and be part of the rescue team. This will also continue to build trust which is so vital in times like this. Beware of low trust actions…there is a real and true economic factor that affects businesses with low trust.
   
5. Find a way to get rid of YOUR stress. Get out and exercise. Set goals and make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Make sure that you are confident in your strategy. I say do these things because people will sniff out the fakers. They are looking for folks like you to be positive leaders who can steer the ship in tough waters. If you say one thing and project another, you are DEAD. So button up yourself and others will follow you.

Final Word:

There are winners and losers. Leadership, vision and execution…that comes…from you, can be the difference maker.

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[Smita Bhaskar]

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According to a study done by Threshold Communications, specialists in communication and behavior change; only 40% of full-time employees feel their company has a clear plan to withstand the recession. Don’t you think, it is lack of effective communication?

Honest communication has a definite effect on employee morale. Of those feeling strongly that their company has a clear plan to withstand the recession, 82% have high enthusiasm for their job and 86% feel committed to their company's long term success.
Of those not committed to company’s success, only 12% say their company has shared its plans to withstand the recession with them.

Such surveys testify the sheer importance of strong communication. The key principles that an organization must follow in order to have a strong communication internally are:

•Allow your employees to express. Your employees’ opinion is important.
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•Think long term

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