Resolutions That Help to Lead the Way

Every year around this time, people start to swear off the doughnuts, swear by the treadmill or embark on some other such version of personal reform, promising themselves that this time around, their New Year’s resolutions are really, truly, going to stick.

And every year, right around February or March, those same resolutions usually start to come a little unglued. That’s OK; it’s only human. But this year – since it’s unlike any other year in memory – calls for a new routine. As 2009 looms, bringing unprecedented challenge and uncertainty, I suggest that you add four work resolutions to your list, especially if you’re leading a company, division, or even a team. They won’t solve everything, but ardently abiding by them throughout the year might help you make the best of a (very) bad situation.

First and foremost, we suggest that you resolve to make 2009 the year you stay outward-facing and on the offensive. Yes, defensive actions are necessary right now. Many companies haveconducted a round of layoffs or reduced compensation, and more such moves are likely to follow, along with cutbacks on many other forms of spending. But watch out. In such an environment, people typically start obsessing about the internal – in particular, about who and what will be next to go. Even more counterproductive, they start forgetting what keeps the whole place alive.

As a leader, your job over the upcoming daunting quarters is to block that tendency. With your positive energy and example, keep your people riveted on delivering innovative products and services. And remember that your customers are hurting too. Look to offer them better-than-ever value and you will sell more today, and stand a chance of keeping their loyalty even after these dark days pass.

Second, resolve to make 2009 the year you become excruciatingly clear with your people about the meaning of the term ‘integrity’. Of course, you’ve been there and done that. You’ve told your team that integrity is a given; you’ve insisted that you have zero tolerance for people who act unethically. But integrity violations aren’t just committed on a grand scale, note Bernard Madoff. Far more often, they’re committed by regular employees who have found a way to maneuver in the gray areas of your business.

So this year – pledge to take the time – real, unhurried time – to explicitly express what’s right and wrong. Make integrity black and white; try to eliminate the gray. And let your people know that when it comes to protecting your customers and the company’s reputation, ignoring an ethical violation is as bad as committing one.

Educate Your Team

Third, resolve to educate your whole team, no matter where they work in your organization, about the dangerous consequences of the Employee Free Choice Act.

On this one, you’d better act fast. Most Democrats campaigned in support of this legislation, and some believe the New Congress will push it to a vote before summer. If they are successful, Americans can say goodbye to the secret ballot in labour elections and expect a widespread increase in unionization efforts.

Finally, resolve to make 2009 a year that isn’t devoid of celebration. Too often when times get tough, leaders assume that it’s unseemly to stop and, well, have some fun.