I was with one of my coaches last week, and she said the funniest thing… ”Don’t let a good recession go to waste!” BRILLIANT! This statement has stuck in my brain. I’ve tweeted it only to have it re-tweeted (http://twitter.com/CaskeyChick). It received a slew of comments on my Facebook page. Obviously, it struck a chord with others as well. So what does it mean to you? Seriously, I’d love to hear.
Here’s my take on how we should be working the recession for all it’s worth:
• Workforce: What a perfect time to get rid of your underperformers. You can’t afford not to be getting the highest return on your investments on your most expensive assets—your people. They say the cream rises to the top. In hard times, other stuff floats to the top. Ever heard the expression “turds in a punch bowl”? I don’t think I need to say more.
• Training: For your peak performers, now is a great time to give them an edge. Maybe it’s outside training, coaching, or cross training within your organization. Truly turn your team into a lean machine. If you’re not green and growing, you’re ripe and rotting. (I think Einstein said that.)
• New ideas: Have you been sitting on a new, innovative approach to your market place? Have you been thinking “the same stuff is still working, I’m going to keep doing it”? I would guess the “same stuff” isn’t working anymore. Whip out those new ideas. Take a chance. Think outside the box. If not now, when?
• Clients: Take care of what you have. When’s the last time you asked your current clients what challenges they have, even if it doesn’t have anything to do with something you can sell them? How can you bring more value to your relationship? Have you surveyed them? Asked them about their dreams and goals? Or, have you been taking them to lunch once per month and talking about your kids because “that’s what we always do.” Tisk, tisk.
What’s your new normal? What’s your strategy to survive and thrive?
{ 0 comments… add one now }