1. Consistent Values
In some organizations,
employees observe that core values appear to be abandoned when the economy is
poor. Leadership values seemed to apply in good times, but to dwindle or even
disappear during stress. This organization, however, held tightly its core
values as the economy turned. Employees began to more fully appreciate those
values as well when they saw what was happening in other companies during
difficult times.
2. Long Term Focus
This company clearly saw
the recession as a temporary problem, and maintained its focus on the long term
objectives. The recession had a significant impact on the long term objectives,
but it created new opportunities as well. Employees don’t mind going through
difficult times when they believe there is a brighter future ahead.
3. Local Leadership
Company recognized that
the major source of satisfaction or dissactifaction came from what happen in
each work group. Every manager and supervisor received a clear assessment of
the satisfaction of their employees and was challenged to find opportunities to
improve.
4. Continuous Communication
People tend to communicate
less during bad times, when in actuality, they need to communicate even more.
This company increased its effort to communicate and share important
information. If there was no good news to share, they would share the reality
of their current situation.
5. Collaboration
Groups made significant
improvements in their ability to share resources and work together. This
reduced costs and increased efficiency.
6. Opportunities For
Development
The pace of work was
slower, people had the opportunity to learn new skills and develop new
capabilities. This organization took advantages of the slower time by
challenging employees with “stretch” job assignments. They also increased
formal training.
7. Speed And Agility
With less budget, everyone saw the
need to move quickly and take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace.
Speed of decision was emphasized.
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