As early as November 2008 the NAB business confidence survey was already reporting that Business confidence edged down to a new record low (including the 1990/91 recession). Business conditions are sharply down again – to levels last seen in late 1992.’ This falling level of confidence is being felt across the board and is affecting organisations of all types.

Many pundits told us that in the first quarter of 2009 people and organisations would hold off on major decisions, as they watch what is happening and try to predict how the next year or two might unfold. And this prediction seems to have held true. While opinions differ on what will happen in the remainder of the year, most agree the next few months will be a crucial period for planning and preparing for the way forward – whether through a global recession or a period of recovery.

The focus every leader must have on their agenda for 2009 is how to embrace change to survive the crisis and take advantage of the opportunities that will appear. Surviving in tough times, and thriving on change, can only be done by involving your people, and them having the confidence, capacity and creativity to truly embrace change, learn new skills, and adapt to challenging new situations. Unfortunately this could also be a major challenge for many organisations.

In the 4th January 09 Sunday Mail well known social trend experts Bernard Salt and Mark McCrindle were asked how people might adjust their ways in 2009.

On the issue of work McCrindle said “People will be more grateful for a job and the income it brings. Even if it’s less than perfect, the security will be important.”

Salt was more provocative when he said “Sadly, the culture of ‘Yes men’ will make their comeback. When everyone is scared of losing their job, no one questions the boss. We will lose a lot of free-thinking and creativity in the workplace.”

This is a sad commentary on what the year might bring, and does not auger well for those who fall into the trap of negative thinking and decide to bury their heads. But it presents some fantastic opportunities for those who are ready, willing and able to grasp them – that is those individuals, leaders and organisations willing to encourage and enable creativity in people and who continue to look for innovative solutions. For those prepared to take up the challenge, there is a great opportunity to leapfrog the competition.

With these challenges in mind, what might you do in 2009? We suggest there are a number of approaches to consider.

Embracing Change to survive and thrive in 2009

Change is always a factor in business, and this is particularly so in difficult times. It is said that people often resist change and that when they do they inevitably fall behind. So the key is to embrace the changes that are occurring – which requires first a level of clarity on what is happening, usually followed by a shift in how the change is perceived, and then an action plan to adapt to the new situation. This means people need to become involved, and it is the leaders’ role to involve everyone in the change process – unfortunately this is not always a skill the leader has, or the option they prefer, as it means dealing with people issues. What can assist is engaging professional internal or external facilitators, using advanced team collaboration methods, to open up lines of communication, but the initial step is to acknowledge that action, not inaction, is the only way to embrace change.

Professional Development to excel in turbulent times

The key to personal and business success at any time is having the ability to learn faster and more effectively, whatever it is you want to learn. Just as it is true that you can ‘Think and Grow Rich’, in today’s rapidly changing world everyone needs to learn more and faster to perform at optimal levels and achieve real success. It is what we call Learning to Earn.

Success in business demands great teamwork and collaboration, not just at local team level, but throughout the organisation, and even along the entire value chain. More than this, success demands that teams work in highly effective ways that promote creativity and innovation in all aspects of the business.

When times are tough the biggest challenge is how confident people feel, and how well they embrace change. The challenge for leaders is to provide people with the wherewithal to adapt to new situations in creative and collaborative ways, while developing as ‘complete’ individuals bringing value to the business every day.

While in tough times it is often people development ‘costs’ that are cut first, particularly that training not seen as central to job functions. The reality is that it is in just such times that professional development should be stepped up. Training in creative problem solving, teamwork, leadership and other so-called personal development soft-skills is best done in tough times because it is at just this time that people need these skills and, more importantly, will have the opportunity to apply them to meet the current challenges. When times are good these skills are ‘nice to have’, but in times of crisis they are absolutely mandatory, because it is only through the creative ability of individuals and teams that new solutions can be found to new challenges.

Time for Action

In the last few months the economic situation has continued to worsen, and it is understandable that many organisations are distracted by the need to review income projections and manage their cost base to accommodate revised business forecasts. The predictable reaction is to shelve all but absolutely crucial investment for the time being. But to thrive in tough times needs confident innovative thinking, and 2009 will be a great time for those who choose to invest in their people.

Success in any organisation is as much about timing as it is about ideas and action. The most successful businesses will act decisively when the timing is right and opportunities start to appear … I hope you are among them!

W J (Bill) Jarrard
Mindwerx International
bill@mindwerx.com
www.mindwerx.com