economy

The heartbreaking stories from the devastating earthquakes across the globe recently — Haiti, Chile and China — invariably talked about the increased destruction and loss associated with poorly constructed commercial buildings, schools and dwellings. Absent well-designed and constructed foundations and infrastructure, these structures collapsed or at a minimum experienced far greater damage than the rest. A clarion call for building structures securely in the first place and for avoiding the misery that can ensue otherwise.

I think this is a great metaphor for businesses.

A strategic move today for some companies that are anticipating more aggressive business levels as the recovery progresses is proactive use of mentoring programs to enhance the development of current talent and enrich jobs.

We have talked about "flexible staffing" as a business concept for years — primarily because we are in the talent management business and have long understood the blend of contract, temporary, regular fulltime positions and use of consultants to be one of the most powerful and efficient approaches businesses can take to fill human capital requirements for business strategy and goal attainment.

Change when it comes suddenly and uninvited is often quite difficult for most of us.

At the same time, life becomes more difficult than it needs to be when change is overdue.

A recent article in Workforce Management, entitled "Downturn Puts New Emphasis on Engagement," points out that employee engagement — their commitment to their work and the connection they feel to their company — has never been more important.

The year is half over, we've had to make many adjustments because of everything that has been handed us with the failing economy and now we have got to get ready for whatever is next as things begin to change again!

Being strategic is not always about initiating something new. Sometimes it is as simple as going against the grain to take actions contrary to convention — and as a result, getting ahead of the curve.

by Rod Hanna — Principal, Merit Resource Group, and
Brent Green, Ph.D. — O.D. and Leadership Performance Coach, Merit Resource Group

The pressure on business decision-makers and leaders in this economy is unparalleled. Making the right decisions that ensure near-term survival and long-term success as well as demonstrating the leadership abilities necessary to guide and inspire people to follow, are paramount.

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