Managing people in a bad economy can be very stressful. During times when the economy reaches a low point, many managers may have to rationalize and downsize their operations to survive. This can take an emotional toll on managers.
The impact of these changes is likely to affect you as a manager. People may be uncertain about what might happen, and managing the mood and morale of your team in a bad economy can be very difficult and may even sometimes feel impossible. As a manager, you are expected to keep your team members motivated, even when you have little to motivate them with. Managing people isn't impossible though, even in a bad economy. Contact Joel today to learn about more ways you can be a successful manager during these tough times.
We are all facing challenges. Today, the economy is our main concern. Tomorrow, there will be other obstacles. How do we continue to motivate and energize our employees during difficult times?
First, we need to stop worrying and relax. Give yourself a break. Stop letting the media feed your fears with the dreaded “r” word. Even during an “r” people work. Companies manufacture, transport, distribute, sell, market, advertise, produce, grow, research, develop, entertain, build and purchase. We have to figure out a way to do it without being cranky and stressed. Yes, we need to have more fun. More importantly, we need to motivate and energize our employees to have more fun and increase their passion.
I sense that many of you have thrown this magazine down on the table, rearing back from these words with a shriek. How dare we have fun during a merger/recession/layoff/restructure/something else that takes up time before retirement? Fun is scary. Fun doesn’t work. We are not allowed to have fun.
Yes, you can have fun. And in the process, reduce your stress and help create a more productive, innovative and fun work environment. First, we have to create a foundation so that fun can exist. Here are twelve simple ideas to reduce your stress, help motivate your employees and create a foundation to have more fun.
1. Be patient and positive in your tone of voice. Sounds simple, but a reassuring and patient tone in your voice will do wonders for teamwork and for helping reduce stress. You will rarely see a stressed, impatient person having fun. As a manager, your employees will take their cues from you. If you are stressed and worried, they will be stressed and worried. Be positive. Be happy.
2. Take a break. Again, a simple idea but something that has very real results. Ever try and assemble something from the store? Ever get frustrated? Ever throw the directions across the room in frustration? Stop, take a break, and then reassess. Just a few moments away will give you the energy to move forward. Your employees need a break just like you. Take a minute out of the day and recognize a manager or employee for having fun and creating spirit.
Contact Joel Zeff today to learn about how you can effectively manage people in a bad economy.
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