The current economic slowdown has affected most businesses, if not all, and it's becoming harder than ever to manage uncertain employees. Use these recession management tips from Joel Zeff to keep your employees focused and motivated during these volatile 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.
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. Tell your co-workers you appreciate them. We all want positive support at work. When we don’t receive appreciation and thanks, we are not very happy. You know how you feel when someone says, “You made a difference,” or “Great job,” or “I really appreciate your help.” You get an incredible feeling right in the middle of your chest. Giving that feeling is a gift. And it doesn’t take a budget, plan, or approval. It just takes a few seconds from your day. When you go home from work, think about all of the people you had contact with that day. Did you give all of them the appreciation and positive support they deserved? If you didn’t, there is always tomorrow.
2. Create opportunity. We all want the same things from our jobs: opportunity and positive support. We may want the opportunity to be creative; to be a leader; to help people; or to make more money. When we don’t receive opportunity and positive support, we are not very happy. Figure out what kind of opportunity you want from your job. Make sure your employer understands what you need to be happy. Again, stand up and say something. As a manager, talk to your employees about the opportunities they want today, next month and next year. Together, figure out a way to give them those opportunities.
3. Be a better listener. Everyone thinks they are good listeners. In reality, we get into bad habits that prevent us from being good, active listeners. Pay attention to your listening skills. When we listen, we are more effective as a team; we are better communicators; we are more productive; and we have more fun. Listening to each other every day will change our work environment faster than any pizza party, softball game or team building event where you make boats out of cardboard boxes, aluminum foil and paper towels.
Most managers have very little, if any, experience leading their team during a recession. Some managers act quickly to address the recession by laying off employees or perhaps delaying new product development, but these are only short-term solutions. Use these recession management tips from Joel Zeff to successfully manage your employees and position your company for an economic upswing. You can also visit Joel Zeff's blog to learn more recession management tips.
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