Last year was a difficult year, and while 2010 is shaping up to be much healthier, many leaders are still reacting to last year's environment.
Yes, we have had to do more with less. In most cases, the less is staff and the more is in the form of increased workload and hours. But when the pendulum swings, and inevitably it shall, will we be poised to recover swiftly? Use the following five tips to help your organization rebound quickly and fuel growth.
1) Avoid negativity, and rally the troops! Everyone understands the need to cut expenses to survive the recession. Doing more with less can not only be tolerated, but it can also be accepted. But don't treat people like they should feel lucky to have a job! Sincere and timely recognition for a "job well done" can continue to motivate and inspire your staff onward. Communicate your gratitude to your donors and members. Let your partners know they continue to be a key part of your success and future. No matter the magnitude of their contributions, communicate your appreciation promptly and often.
2) Seek input from all your folks. It's not always good to cut "'til you bleed." Rather, gather information and evaluate programs and processes. Determine which projects/tasks are critical to your mission, survival, and growth, and focus on these. Postpone other residual tasks.
3) Look for opportunities that will allow you to build and not cut. Involve everyone in the search for innovations and efficiencies. Engage everyone; ignore no one. Give them a sense of ownership in common goals and stand with them. If you are there for them, they will be there for you. Reward ideas that work. In addition to recognizing talent, if an idea has saved money or generated additional revenue, provide the individual(s) with some additional reward, like a gift card or even cash.
4) Do not cut marketing spending, but instead consider increasing it. While others are cutting, it is critical to keep your message alive and your organization visible. Increase your testing and market research to learn more about your audience than you ever did before. History proves that those who increased advertising during a recession improved market share and ROI over competitors who cut back.
5) Invest in employee education. Training provides your employees with the extra skills your company needs you stay competitive in an ever-changing world. Training also leads to higher job satisfaction and better job performance.
