Training Can Recession-Proof Your Leaders
Training Can Recession-Proof Your Leaders
According to Emma Parry, a senior research fellow at Britain's Cranfield School of Management, "With training budgets often the first to go in a recession, research demonstrates that growing your own people is an effective way for organizations to obtain the skills they need while saving money." Findings from a Cranfield study were released in November. The study revealed that staff members are more likely to stay if their company is investing in their development. Curt Coffman's( co-author of " First Break All The Rules " ) research with employee engagement tells us the same thing.
Invest In People to Survive and Grow
This study reaffirms the idea that companies must invest in order to grow and succeed. Other studies also demonstrate that cutting training can be counterproductive. Another study from the University of Cambridge showed that it may not be the training, per se, that makes a difference but rather the way in which organizations deploy and develop skills. Recession-proofing leadership may be the best way for organizations to keep the objective on survival and growth.
These studies suggest that the right training combined with other progressive business and HR practices will support performance goals. A recent Wall Street Journal article stated, "Despite layoffs and recession-starved budgets, many employers are investing in leadership development programs, hoping not to be caught short of strong managers when the economy rebounds."
Furthermore, a Training and Development article said, "Smart organizations, in fields as diverse as the financial sector and construction, integrate training into daily performance and maintain it as a development resource, not simply a shield against attrition."
The recession has a ripple effect in an organization. One effect is lack of available talent to fill supervisory and management positions due to hiring freezes. Another is underperformance by employees because of their uncertainties and the pressures of change. Organizations tend to do more with fewer people, leading to survivor burnout.
Although these are some of the plagues in the sea of recession, training leaders is one of the best ways to stem the tide.
Recession-Proof Leadership Competencies
The legacy of leadership is a valued organization that survives and thrives over time. The value of training is to help managers and supervisors focus on and understand commonly recognized leadership competencies and assist leaders in developing a foundation from which to build their own management styles. Examples of leadership competencies include the following:
· Integrity
· Trust and values
· Team-building
· Listening
· Influencing and persuading
· Competitive spirit
· Passion and intuition
· Priority setting and decision-making
· Sense of humor
· Vision and adaptability
The Vital Learning's Leadership Series which we provide in classroom , on-line and blended formats , can assist organizations develop leadership skills. The series can help your leadership staff demonstrate competencies more quickly. Although there is no single formula for recession-proofing your business, your managers and supervisors can contribute. One module " Essential Skills of Leadership ", for example, will help them learn how to achieve the following:
· Maintain team member self-esteem, supporting self-respect and dignity and adapt to change
· Focus on behavior and solve problems more effectively
· Encourage team member participation as a motivational tool
· Listen actively to build team member confidence and the desire to perform more effectively
The task of leading in today's economy can be grueling and downright perilous. When leaders demonstrate competencies in a sincere and ethical manner, they can improve employee loyalty. Leaders are change masters; when you invest in them, morale improves, confidence grows, the work environment improves, errors decrease and productivity thrives. This is the best way to recession-proof your business.
Communication Strategy is a New York City based consulting firm with associates throughout the United States which assist its clients in such areas as Leadership Development , Team Building , Customer Service Excellence, Performance Management , Meeting Management and Employee Engagement.
Contact us via e - mail : info@communicationstrat.com or Telephone 212-362-5215 Contact: David Hellman (info@communicationstrat.com)
|
|
