Workplace of Choice

So, finally we all seem to be getting back to "normal" following the worst economic downturn in recent history. You may be noticing, however, that while "normal" seems better than recent months - it may feel very different than say, 2-3 years ago. As we all get our legs back under us - this is an ideal time for companies, big and small, to start testing, validating, and redefining "normal" within their organizations.  If nothing else, we should all learn from the economic issues that plagued us. Instead of restarting business as usual - think about recalibrating and looking more closely at your organization and your human capital.

Think about:

• Who were the most valuable members of the organization during the height of the crisis? This might have been surprising - were there silent superstars in the ranks that simply needed this opportunity to prove their value and ability?  What made them superstars and the ones able to weather the storm?
• If you had to lay people off, what was the profile of those that were able to step in to pick up extra work? Were they your managers?  Or were other employees able to roll up their sleeves and pitch in?
• Were there roles that had to be eliminated ones you intended to refill when you could?  Do you really need to refill it now or do you find that you no longer really need that specific job because you've gotten along just fine without it?
• Were your Managers able to lead?  Or was it obvious that the Manager Training you've been meaning to get to would have come in really handy when they were helping to communicate change, manage RIFs, or mediate conflict in a very confused workplace?

Before you go out and repeat to your old practices - take a step back and determine what worked well in the troubled times and see if it might make sense to duplicate some of those practices instead.

For example:

• Instead of filling silo-ed roles that are all very specific - think about hiring people that are forward thinkers and doers that might be able to share the load and multi-task.
• Invest in some Leadership Training and Management 101 so that your people are able to grow and be better poised to help in times of change
• Be very thorough in hiring - many times companies 'skip steps' either in desperation to fill a job or the candidate is doing so well with the interviews, they don't feel like they need to check references.

And remember those employees that stuck by you in tough times - instead of thinking "well, at least they had a job" remember that without them you might not have been able to come through as well as you did!!

This is the time of the "new normal."  The perfect time to fix what could have worked better and harness and duplicate the energy and abilities of the superstars and further enforce what worked well!