Managers must function under extreme pressure when businesses are threatened in difficult economic times.
Here are 3 management mistakes to avoid in tough times:
1. Assuming people will step up to the plate.
While the writing may be on the wall, some employees may not see it. Employees need help understanding:
a) the state of the business
b) their role, especially if their roles have changed
c) expectations
d) consequences
Good leaders will help employees gain a clear understanding of all the above.
Make sure employees see the plate and know how to bat even though the game may be changing.
2. Taking on too much.
With fewer resources or the threat of downsizing, managers feel pressure to do the work others should be doing. Instead, people need leadership. Support, coach, guide, clarify, listen. And be careful about trying to do it all yourself.
Don’t put yourself on the fast track to burnout.
3. Losing sight of strategy.
Think you don’t have time to focus on strategy? That’s probably the case if the way you develop strategy is solely event based. Changing times call for more frequent attention on your business strategy. Don’t limit your focus on strategy to an annual event. Those organizations with flexible strategies will be most successful.
Adapt your strategy as you go along.