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Is your attitude in recession?

The truth of the matter is that there is no recession. Even if the worst economic hurricane hits, the only reason your company or career prospects might sink is if you let them.

So don’t let them

Even in the best of times, a good leader manages uncertainty and a good company speedily adapts to market needs making best use of its biggest asset - the talent, skills and energy of its right people. Think about businesses who have successfully launched in recession-hit times, such as MTV, iPOD - and Proctor and Gamble who had the confidence to give us ’Ivory Soap’ at the height of the Great Depression. They used difficult times as a launch pad to be innovative, to be creative and to make the most of their employees.

Unfortunately, as headcount accounts for the majority of operating costs in most companies these days, in bad times the easy option is to hit the fire button! Employees know this. (They hear recession news too!). Rumour mills go into overdrive. Confidence and morale drops. Energy and true commitment levels fall. Productivity and sales nosedive. Before you know it, you’re reaping the rewards of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Be honest and upfront in your dealings with your employees. You employed them (hopefully) for their brain and as well as their hands. By adopting this "recession-proof" attitude you can steer your people and company to success even in the most difficult times.

• Face to face communication is crucial. Stop texting and emailing unless absolutely necessary.
• If you can’t be definitive about the future at least give certainty about the way things will be handled and what you are personally doing to future-proof the business.
• Welcome suggestions, involvement and feedback from your employees. Most of them have answers to current issues - but do something with this information!
• Regularly enforce company values in everything you do and say. Never compromise. In uncertain times, a consistent demonstration of values is a steady rock for employees, suppliers and customers to trust in.
• The way you communicate is almost as important as the message itself. Be sensitive to others.
• Be as open as commercially possible.
• Keep corporate energy levels and confidence up - be positive in every thought, word and deed. Set your mind for the day and the day will set itself.

Submitted by Elizabeth Bradbury
elizabeth@bradburyandouthwaite.co.uk