Regardless of what industry you are in, there is no denying that things are financially tough at the moment. Everyone is a little wearier of spending these days. Budgets are tightening, controllers and Chief Financial Officers are paying closer attention before signing on the dotted line, and you find ourself searching for additional ways to highlight your value in the organization.
As budgets tighten and you see your already limited talent and leadership development resources dwindle, we need to ensure that we create even more value for the business than in times of smooth sailing.
1) Connect yourself to all levels of the organization - It sometimes seems easier to place ourselves in a vacuum than have to face reality, particularly when things are turbulent. We may want to pull the cover over our heads and simply hope the storm blows over. We do not want to have to redraw our budgets, reconsider our decisions, and justify our value to the organization. Resist this type of thinking. Leaders need to seize the opportunity. Take the initiative to approach your upper management and ask them if they would like you to re-evaluate your budget given the current crisis. Whatever they respond, they will respect your offer, see your leadership, and know that you are aware of the larger picture.
2) Ensure sound financial acumen across the organization - One of the easiest ways to help your business run more efficiently is by providing some basic financial training for your employees. By providing your employees with a better understanding of the company's financials, they will be able to see how the firm generates cash, how their role plays a part in affecting the firm's bottomline, and also provide them with an increased sense of ownership.
3) Outreach to ensure your training programs are used and relevant - During this time of crisis, it is important to play a more active role in encouraging the use of your learning programs. By playing a more active role, you will not only demonstrate your value to the organization, but also be help your employees performan better. One way to play a more active role is by changing the question you ask your employees. Instead of asking, 'Who wants training?' ask, "What are you currently working on?" and then based on their response, determine what resources you have and see if anything is applicable.
4) Do not lose sight of the longer term - Be conscious that this crisis, similiar to previous crises, will also pass. When this happens, do not be caught having modified your entire plan simply to accomodate the situation at hand. Modify for the short term, but ultimately keep your eyes on the longer term goals and forecasts.
