Image Courtesy of L. Denise Jackson
We have looked at the Top 10 Trends of 2012 and now we are planning for 2013. Smart companies, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and employees will plan now for their immediate professional future. It doesn’t matter the industry; all that matters is that you anticipate what is going to happen and have a solid plan with the knowledge you have. Now is not the time to be reactionary. More than ever, you need to have a visionary for your own life, well-being, and financial security.
The benefits and cost of implementing the top 10 trends that companies are using to managing their employees and lead their companies differently can make or break your revenue and professional goals. The benefits and costs from these trends can be affected by the individual professional as well as by the overall culture.
There are going to be some hard questions asked here, so let’s take a look.
Diversity is In: Since 2004, the blend of diversity has been evident to even those who were not paying attention before. Diverse populations mean diverse mindsets, ideas, contributions, and accomplishments. In this electronic age, no one should be overlooked and cross-mentoring has become more common and prevalent.
Telepresence and Telework Options: Working remote is a beautiful thing…it you and your company is prepared to get everyone on the same page. There are some cool productive strides you can reach being virtual but if you and your staff are not properly trained and have the same expectations and understanding, it can be a disaster. How ready are you to step into the global cloud-capability world we are living it?
Revitalize your leadership development training: The one thing that everyone needs to work with less and produce more as well as work more independently like a leader and a mini-CEO has been slashed in so many companies. And the “at the manager’s discretion” means go ask, talk about it but it is probably still a resounding “no because of” something or other. What is it costing you to take away the one critical item that can peak the performance of your company beyond the sales team?
Recognize the value of emotional intelligence: Most people don’t want to talk about emotions because they are connecting on a business level. It is emotions that can get someone moving quickly or have them sulk and bring others down with them for 30 minutes. Do you know how to use your emotional intelligence sincerely?
Healthy and Sustainable Environments: Are you aware of the Federal Government’s requirement for sustainability? What about your state and local municipalities? Healthy environments are not just nice to have. In professional spaces, they are becoming mandatory. Do you know how much unhealthy environments are costing you? In 2011, it cost companies $153 billion dollars. Small changes make big differences to your environment and overall productivity, thus your bottom line.
Workforce Reductions: More companies are using this as a way to control costs and work in a more streamlined manner. While they almost force creative and strategic thinking, this trend also creates a pressurized feeling to talent that already feel overwhelmed. Money is saved is salaries but what is it costing in low employee engagement and productivity?
Less managing and more leading: This is something that cannot be stressed enough. Workers don’t need to be babysat. They need to be lead and then go and do. Giving them instruction is like on-the-job training and that after the acclimation process, they should be let go to do what they need to do, which is work productively, purposefully, and profitably. Are you leading? Are you being led? Are you listening and learning?
Workplace Intrapreneurship: This is a natural follow-on to the previous trend. Some positions are just to be the widget on the doohickey and that is about it. Other positions need workers to think outside the box and create solutions, present them to one or more people and take ownership to another level past the pat on the back. What program are you involved in or is created that provides a level of intrapreneurship?
Countering Disengagement: 10 years ago, the Gallup study stated that over 24 million employees (18%) were actively disengaged and costing the U.S. economy between $292 billion and $355 billion a year. If companies don’t have an employee engagement plan or manager focused on ensuring that workers feel invested, they mind as well just throw the money out the window. The talent can be simply wasted because workers are ignored. Have you asked your team and yourself, outside of money, what would it take for there to be 100% engagement?
Have a transitional exit plan: You may not want to leave but if it is a workforce reduction, you may be ready to take the leap and start a business or buy another one, you just need to plan and make it a solid one. If you had to stop working today, what would happen to what you are working on?
This was not meant to be a nice little something to read but rather something to get juices flowing and really being to have a dialogue as to what you need. Next up! Business and Workplace Trends for 2013!
