Career Management in a Down Economy

Part II – Applaud your A Players

The days of employees huddling around the water cooler to discuss the latest office gossip are long gone. Replacing this ritual is the art of texting and blogging. Make no mistake, however, in times like these, the topics have remained the same – rumors of layoffs, elimination of bonuses, decreases in pay, outsourcing of functions, relocation of offices or even the closing of the company. While it is nearly impossible to eliminate these conversations altogether, employers have a great deal of control over the amount of damage that is inflicted by these discussions.

How? By simply communicating with your key employees on a regular basis – particularly those employees that you consider “A Players” - because you will need their support to keep everyone productive and focused.

What is so Special About A Players?

Management can and should rely on these A Players to maintain a positive work environment and support the company’s strategy to weather the downturn. However, this will only occur if these individuals feel that their contributions are being noticed and appreciated by the executive team. Regardless of their specific contributions – additions to the top line, increased efficiencies, or cost containment – these employees need to feel that they are part of management’s long term strategy and that their efforts are being recognized. In some cases, this recognition may be in the form of financial acknowledgement – i.e. a bonus or raise. However, in most cases, your key employees will understand that the company may not be able to provide a financial incentive due to short term cash flow issues. Instead, these employees will expect an expression of gratitude for a job well done and some insight into the company’s long term vision.

In the book “The One Thing you Should Know” by Marcus Buckingham, he discusses the idea that every employee looks to his or her boss for vision and direction. “We, your followers, are anxious about the future. To turn our anxiety into confidence, you must tell us why we will win. You must tell us why we will prevail in this better future you seem to see so clearly.” While this has always been an important characteristic of a good leader, at no time has it been more necessary than in today’s faltering economy. It is during these downturns when emotions are high and people’s confidence is shaken, that employees require reassurance from the formal and informal leaders of their organization. The great thing about A Players is their desire and ability to restore confidence and create a productive workplace, regardless of the economic climate. They are well adept at sharing the company’s vision with their team and peers – so long as they are receiving the same kind of support and acknowledgement from their superiors. Without this communication, A Players will begin to lose faith in the company’s long term vision, causing them to ignore – or worse yet, instigate – the negativity in the office as they dust off their own resumes and entertain other opportunities.

Continued in next column >