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Advice
How to address and
lead staff during an
economic downturn
The business press is currently focusing on the tough times that
companies are facing, and how they can cut costs and streamline
operations. Much of the ‘advice’ has an operational emphasis. While
this type of advice is fundamental to business, Stephen Archer
argues that businesses will gain a greater level of effectiveness if teams
are correctly motivated and led with better focus.
E
mployees are in tune with the economic recession energised their teams, and they competitors don’t and that you will focus on
climate and the impact it will be having fought their way out of it. They did not ‘batten these during the downturn.
on the company they are working in. In down the hatches and pull up the drawbridge’! * Remember that nearly all people will want to
times like this morale is at high risk, and can Inevitably, in any recession, there will be follow your leadership in difficult times. They
fall dramatically - particularly if leaders allow it companies that don’t survive – and it will be will be committed followers.
to slip and participate in the gloom themselves. down to those that do to fill the market voids. * Adopt the mindset that you will weather the
Businesses need to work smarter and This is an opportunity to build market share, storm, and you will.
company leaders should manage from the and take the business from those who lost it.
front with even greater conviction in order that
Mindset
the team will follow. An organisation that forces Stephen Archer is a director of Spring
itself to behave this way may not grow, but it And this type of mindset needs to be Partnerships, a fast growing UK business
will survive during an economic downturn. instilled into an organisation’s employees – and communications consultancy. Spring
Invest
they need to see that they will be part of a Partnerships works with major global
company that wants to grow its market share brands, helping them to achieve busi-
Leaders need to invest in their people more and outperform the competition both commer- ness growth and success. From running
than ever. These staff will be the future of the cially and psychologically. Simple steps that unique leadership training courses, to
organisation – if the culture, the leadership and business leaders should address during an strategic communication and change
the motivation are right then success will fol- economic downturn: management programmes, Spring is
low, along with better staff retention and com- * Front up to any issues very quickly; tell your noted for its unique, in-depth approach
mercial effectiveness. staff that the economic conditions are working to message traction.
If costs do need to be cut, involve staff in against the market – not just the business.
the process to the maximum. Doing this makes * Don’t leave them in the dark on anything –
www.springpartnerships.com
them feel included and empowered. remove all doubt and ambiguity.
Companies that prospered during the last * Stress that you have strengths that your
14 • issue 164 Business Matters
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