Leadership is a Balancing Act

I’m observing, with interest, the shift in management practices that has occurred as good times have changed to bad times for business. Back when times were good, signing bonuses were a common practice, job-hopping was a legitimate way to advance a career, job benefits were plentiful and even considered an entitlement, and companies were obsessed with measuring and enhancing employee loyalty. Similarly to the entire marketplace, the situation was a little out of balance. But who’s going to complain when there’s plenty of money to go around? Then the recession hit hard. With the major downturn in the economy came widespread restructuring, layoffs, and struggles to stay solvent until business levels recover. Suddenly, instead of courting employee loyalty, corporate management demanded that their people accomplish more with less. Said or unsaid, the message has been, “Be happy you still have a job.” People have responded, but are driven by fear and uncertainty more often than they are inspired by a common purpose. Once again, a lack of balance is evident. The pendulum will swing back to better times. Lessons can and should be learned to help strike a healthy balance between common practices in good times versus bad. We should always be grateful to have good job opportunities. Corporate management should always appreciate employees who contribute effectively to corporate goals. There will always be ups and downs in the cycle of economy and business. Successful companies with strong leadership don’t blow wildly in the wind. They consistently apply good business practices and adjust them with consideration and care when the environment changes, and they keep their team members informed. Internal corporate communications can make a valuable contribution toward achieving a balance between good times and bad. Leaders who communicate corporate philosophies, strategies, and values build trust and gain buy-in from their employees. Fear and uncertainty is fed by a lack of information. Open and honest interaction nurtures uplifting loyalty and cooperation through tough times. Unity and strength of purpose come from successfully overcoming a challenge together. It’s a balancing act in which every leader should be fully engaged.