Communicate and Collaborate in a Crisis
by As we observe the global crisis that seems to have touched so many people within the past few months, we must look at each financial situation as individuals.
As we observe the global crisis that seems to have touched so many people within the past few months, we must look at each financial situation as individuals.
For most of us, the global financial crisis is affecting us indirectly. Sure, home values may be down and our 401(k)s may now only be “201(k)s,” but those are paper losses. Thus far, the rest of the economy hasn’t really caught the flu-bug.
Nonetheless, it’s a difficult time for most Americans and a near-crisis that at any date could spill over into the broader economy. So at this time, I am sure you are asking, what should I do: a) have a mental break-down b) pull all of my money out of any account and hide it underground or c) communicate with key constituencies, including supervisors, investors and customers? Do I really need to give you the answer to this one?
Sure communication alone will not save or even regain the thousands of dollars lost, but it will stop the repetitive cycle of making unhealthy financial decisions.
As we look ahead at the instability of the economy and next administration taking over a huge debt, now is the time to look at your individual financial obligations. Making small changes now will definitely save you some headaches down the road.
Also, you must become irreplaceable without a huge price tag. Sure the saying goes, “last hired, first fired”, but who gets to stay when almost everyone is being laid off? The key to surviving is to become the person that everyone knows that they can depend on, by name and face. Make yourself visible by volunteering for more work and helping others. Work with co-workers to get training on what makes their jobs so unique and think of ways to make your job easier, and determine how to do some of everyone’s job. I know I am getting dirty looks, but think logically. If you know something about everyone’s job and are able to run a shop on your own, you have not only become the “go to person”, but you have worked your way up into management. These are some of the keys to developing your personal risk management plan.
I challenge you to look around in your work area and discover or re-discover some of those useful techniques previously used and put them to work.
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Post CommentNita
On December 16, 2008 at 6:59 am
My job is laying off and it is not only new hires. It seems like nobody is safe. Those are good suggestions.
Catherine
On December 17, 2008 at 5:57 pm
With the economy in a mess I advise that anyone with a piece of job to please try and hold on to it. I know that many jobs are being closed down because of the situation with the economy. But I feel that if we all hold on a little while longer things are going to change. I look at it this way with everyone trying to stay on top eventually we will rise to the very tip top. Just continue to keep faith and believe that all things are possible through CHRIST.
Kenny
On December 18, 2008 at 9:21 am
I totally agree with this article. I have strived myself to learn a little bit about everyone’s job so that I can easily fill in during their absences. It also enables you to learn more and become that more attractive toward other employment opportunities. Great article, great advice.
Pam
On December 22, 2008 at 9:55 am
I agree with this article, I have become a person that my company depends on to in-process other employees (this has made me a great asset to the company). Whenever someone is willing to learn or help, you make yourself the “go to person”. This article has great advice, which I’m proof of.
Thank you.