There are always hard times for business. Different economic conditions bring unique issues that businesses and companies must face. There are many external factors that could pose obstacles for an company. Some of these challenges can may threaten the continued existence of the company. The challenges are diverse in their dimensions and scope and some are individual business challenges, while others are of a national nature (affecting every business across the nation) like the laws and policies of the government. However, there are some challenges that are global in nature. Nearly every country faced an economic crisis. Global Economic Crisis which was felt around the world, resulting in massive job losses, and the repossession of property by financial institutions, to mention several examples. The shaking of the challenges can be lessened if you build your business with care, and ensure that you are creating pillars and foundations which will protect the company when storms come. The leaders have a significant role to play in putting these foundations and pillars. Employees are equally accountable to take part in the implementation of these measures. This is a collective effort and everyone has to put their energy into it.
Building Blocks
1. Courageous & Bold Leaders
A business is only as strong as the pillars that it has in its structure (the the leaders). The combination of courage and strength of leaders typically permeates the teams , creating a vibrant working ethic and a strong business. Leaders require courage to face and combat economic warfare. The tough times call for risks to be taken. The ability to take risks is that every leader must possess. If one is not able to be risk-averse, the business is not going to just stagnate but shrink when faced with hardship. Risks are going against the grain at times. This is where you are jumping in, while others opt out. It’s an act of courage, “if we perish we perish” attitude.
2. Creative Think tanks and Troubleshooting
Different circumstances require different strategies and strategies. A company without strategists is not likely to last. Some issues evolve and take on a new form and require creativity and flexibility. It is essential to be creative in determining what other products can be created to support the business in the murky waters. What are the ideas that the company can expand into? What’s the best method to come to break through the darkness? Sometimes, employees who are further below the organization chart might suggest solutions that work, however, it is important to have leaders who are able to accommodate different opinions without fear of being snubbed. Accepting the current situation by the business in the way it is clearly reveals possibilities for individuals to think outside of the box regarding their security and safety while on the job.
3. Very Vibrant Vision
Every company is there due to the idea of someone else that was refined to the current day. A business needs that vision and concept to be able to stay in the minds and hearts of all employees and leaders. If there is no vision, people do what they like. It is possible to have an idea, but the thing to consider what percentage of employees understand and are able to share it this vision with you. Leaders must communicate the vision, and make sure everyone is aware of where the business is headed. When there is no clear direction, it’s like a boat that is in the seas without a compass. In any direction that the wind blows is the direction in which the ship will take. If a firm is ever able to spin and turn with every stress at it, it’s just the matter of time until the company is stranded in the middle of nowhere.
4. Strong Systems Controls
Controls are required throughout the business. In the absence of controls and the company is not in control, it will waste time and money as well as raw material. The current economic climate demands strict management and control over every product or resource that the company owns. Each employee must be aware and informed about the current situation and the reality. Many employees don’t know where the company stands in terms of performance until somebody is able to educate and inform them. It is essential to have an organization that can handle everything from production processesto the handling of stock and management of reception procedures for office, IT use and finance procedures, security etc . Always check the systems as you fine tune and tweak them until they become robust and reliable.
5. The Culture of Taking responsibility
Leaders must create a culture that encourages taking responsibility and ownership for both the bad and good times. Leaders who blame others and blame others every day will make it difficult for the teams they manage. There are occasions that leaders need to be accountable for every decision and action instead of placing all the blame in the direction of the shop floor workers. A commitment to accountability is essential to create an effective team and business. Leaders must be proactive and demonstrate by example. It is not possible to expect from your employees what you are unable to demonstrate. Employees will be reluctant to accept the responsibility when they do so and results in punitive actions being applied against them.
6. People of Perseverance and Loyalty
This is the ability to endure and not give up prematurely. If you are unable to persevere and you fall asleep halfway through. Perseverance is the capacity to hold on or push into the face of the uncertainty. It’s definitely a painful experience. The burden of pain must be shared throughout the company is going to be able to endure. Inflicting the burden on only a handful of people can burn them out. If leaders have teams they can count to in times of need, the responsibility to persevere becomes shared. It is impossible to be too strong and powerful without the help and encouragement of those who are leading.
7. Controlling Cash-flows with a stricter approach
Companies that get through difficult times are able to maintain a positive attitude toward their cash flow. They care about the speed at which money arrives as well as how long it remains within the business. If you find something that isn’t on the budget, then you should not invest in it. Make sure that all debtors pay on time, so that creditors also get paid in time. Stay within your means as a company. The management of cash flow does not require you to keep the money you owe in the hands of your vendors. If you’re making profit by using the products of other companies and it’s only fair to pay your debts promptly if you trust your creditors to follow the same procedure.
8. Unified Teamwork
Nothing is stronger than the force of a united team. Even in the most difficult of circumstances teams must encourage each other to stay to the end. Unified teams share their experiences and share responsibilities. There is information that Finance teams might be aware of about production, but might not be able to share with the production team to allow cross-pollinating. If teams are like isles on their own Information that the company might be able to use to survive might not get to the appropriate individuals.
9. Quick & Responsive Leadership
An organization that isn’t fast enough to handle circumstances faster will soon become extinct. It is easy to turn attention to issues or issues while they’re still tiny. Each situation demands the leaders or management to respond promptly rather than wait for the worst to happen. Quickness and agility are crucial to ensure that the business is not forced to put off dealing with giants when they are able to stop the issue from the start.
10. Wisdom-Centered Approach
Without wisdom, the management of the company can be challenging. Wisdom is the ability to evaluate situations with a sense of judgment and take informed decisions. It is a great way to consider possibilities and determine the most effective way to proceed. The main issue with most businesses isn’t a lack of money or any other outside pressures, but the lack of knowledge.
