Are you concerned about the current state of the economy and how your business or career might be affected? If so, you're not alone.
It's easy to fall into the trap of smaller thinking. This happens when you're solely focused on how you can get by, or how you'll cut back. You want to protect what you have. While this may be necessary temporarily, don't get stuck in that mindset.
As a leader, you influence the kind of thinking that occurs in your organization. What kind of thinking is going on in your business? Fear based thinking? Strategic thinking? Maybe there's not much thinking if people are simply reacting.
You can help your team view current challenges as opportunities to expand their thinking…to think more creatively, to innovate, to introduce ideas they wouldn't consider ordinarily. Ask them the question, "Where is the opportunity here?"
During this season especially you'll want to thank those people — employees, peers, customers, clients, vendors, advocates, etc. who have helped you in some way. Thank those who wouldn't expect to hear from you. Ask your team, "Who do we need to thank that we may be overlooking?"
Expanding your thanking goes a long way to build relationships that can sustain you during any business climate.
(c) 2008 WorkMatters, Inc.