lisaholt

2010 - We are Hopeful and Positive the Worst is Over

We are facing into the unknown in 2010, we are hopeful and positive that the worst is over but each day presents us with a new challenge and often those challenges leave us wondering are we out the other side of this “recesssion” or is it going to be a slow painful climb of one step forward two steps back. Lately the papers are full of bad news with regards to companies closing down and companies going into receivership. This is very very tough on employees who will lose their jobs in a time where there is such uncertainty about finding a new one.  When I was considering what I would write for our newsletter this quarter I thought I will write what I would like to read… some tips, ideas, proven tactics on how we can cope with whatever challenges come our way in business in 2010.

First and foremost we have to remain positive,

The power of positive thinking is underestimated. Both our clients and candidates require us to be positive and Im sure most people in business find this is a necessary trait to adopt. When you think about it, be it in our social lives or otherwise, we gravitate to positive people. Naturally in life people need to vent and moan, we are only human and its healthy to be able to shed your worries with someone you trust!  The bottom line in a strong character is that they have a positive attitude to life and are believers.  If we believe we can recover, then we will never give up and we will keep the show on the road. So perhaps a good exercise would be when asked a question or in conversation we adopt a more positive outlook and respond with a cup half full attitude!   For a start you feel much better at the end of a day where you have done all you can to remain positive.

Get proactive, take responsibility

If you were watching the Frontline in early March, most of the audience (primarily job seeking young people) were seeking someone to blame for the state of our economy – yet the most powerful voice to my mind was that of Bill Cullen who said its up to us to get up and be positive and do something about it, even if it means working for nothing, just get that experience under your belt. Face the music, if you are up to your neck in debt, go directly to the bank, negotiate, change your payment terms. He was not saying its all a walk in the park but he was saying that one cant lie down and let it all be, one has to be proactive and responsible for any changes that you need to make to ensure your life is easier and your debt more manageable. Blaming others whilst human nature is not going to bring you the results and changes you need. 
 

Plan, plan, plan

It always surprises me when I say to someone well have you got a plan? and they say not really… If you are in a situation where you need to make a change, write it down and I don’t mean in a “visual way” I mean set a plan in action, put down dates, targets when something has to be achieved and then when you look at that date you can see have you achieved it and if not why not? It’s a good idea and it works. It takes effort and repetitive concentration.  You must check your list and deadlines regularly to see how you are getting on otherwise time will be against you and you will get disheartened.

Engage with people

Whilst talking to people, be interested, engage and be enthusiastic in your listening, sometimes you will have to try harder at this than other times. This is not to say that you waste time with someone who just wants an audience and is effectively taking up precious time but in a nutshell whilst you are communicating with people be it in an interview or a communication or sales forum deliver your message strongly, ensure eye contact is maintained and lift your head up high whilst you relay your message. People want to be addressed by strong conviction and belief in the message they are receiving, they don’t want a wishy washy waffly message. So practice if you need to, speak to yourself before you have a serious conversation or make a pitch to a client but whatever you do believe what you are saying and make it clear.   
       

I found this tip on a US website which whilst very simple – could be extremely powerful.

Robert Graham, a business services consultant in Chicago writes some very interesting blogs…

Celebrate Diversity

Celebrate diversity and accomplish more! I have noticed in many business settings there are individuals who want the credit. Put my name on the plaque high above everyone in the group because I did all the work. What a shame. This individual is missing the boat. A team wins championships, an individual win trophies. You will soon find that acting as a uniform team diversity, meaning each individual, working in his talent to do the best possible job.

Acted out, every member has a role on a team--you can only accomplish the best result of your worst member! Even if you have a substantial trophy winner.

Build teams with diversity. Look around in each area of you life and influence those individuals to their talent. Reach out to build a structure of people to enhance your weaknesses, even your strengths. Then give recognition to the individual--but most of all praise to the TEAM!!