Times are Tough, Start Talking

Did you see the communication Snapshot in USA Today last week? Can you estimate what percentage of employees who say their leadership has communicated how the economic conditions are affecting their company? According to the survey, only 29% said “Yes.” Employees who “Don’t know” weigh in at 1%. That means a staggering 70% say “No” the leadership in their company isn’t communicating with them about the affects of the economy.

Attention leaders: You’re making a big mistake when you don’t talk with your employees. Leaving people in the dark about the challenges during these tough economic times potentially creates additional problems for the company. Leaders might think if they ignore talking directly about the problems, employees will continue doing business as usual. We call it the “Ostrich Approach” to leadership…it doesn’t work. In fact, the opposite is true.

Employees tend to become more frightened as they play out worst case scenarios in their mind. Is their job at stake? Is the company or division going to make it? Will they be asked to cut back on hours? What is expected of them during the economic downturn? When an employee’s security is threatened, they begin speculating and become fearful. Once this animal is loose in a company, production starts to fall, morale sinks, employees lose focus and your bottom line shrinks. Many of these distractions are avoidable.

GOLD STAR ACTION: Leaders, you might not know all of the solutions, but now is the time to communicate, and communicate often. These are adults who can relate to straight talk. Even when you have bad news to deliver, it is less stressful to hear it directly from leaders rather than the rumor mill. We recommend in-person talks/meetings or webcasts and video casts when in-person meetings aren’t possible.

Many leaders try to communicate through e-mail rather than talk with people, but the challenge is that you can’t get an emotional read from text. Reassurance, concern and trust come through your voice, posture, demeanor, tone and facial expression. Leaders, start talking!

Stay tuned!

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