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Why_Free_Agent_Thinking_Is_Good_For_Your_Company
| Why Free Agent Thinking Is Good For Your Company
It's no secret! Day after day the news is riddled with companies
who are moving operations to other countries or completely
closing their doors. Those who remain must transform themselves
to lean, mean, businesses with a constant eye on reducing costs.
For the first time, the baby-boomers are finding themselves in
an unpredictable work environment. They are shaken by the
instability of what the future holds...and with good reason.
Company messages are mixed. On one hand, they talk about wanting
to be "an employer of choice" with a reputation for retaining
talent. On the other hand, they need the ability to be
fluid...fluid enough to restructure and reorganize to meet the
constantly changing needs of the market.
How then, do you walk the fine line between wanting to retain
without implying promises for the future?
Encourage "free agent thinking". In other words, release the
golden handcuffs.
* At every opportunity tell them you know they have many
employers to choose from, and thank them for choosing you.
* When you communicate change, send a message that change is the
"norm" in today's economy. Replace "message spins" with truth
and hard facts.
* Teach them to embrace the mindset of personal branding and how
to approach their work as if they are in business for themselves.
* Make sure every employee at every level understands the state
of the business. Be sure they know how their performance
contributes to the business results. Tell them what the business
needs from them to be more successful.
* Help them be prepared by offering resources and encouragement
to keep resumes up to date.
If you were thinking this is a little radical and you would be
crazy to take this advice...THINK AGAIN!
* People who think like free agents act as if their future
depends on every thing they do, or don't do. They have a sense
of personal responsibility and personal power.
* Free agent thinkers understand that every person they
encounter is a potential customer, or can lead to a
customer...so they treat everyone like a valued customer.
* Free agent thinkers anticipate change and understand that the
competition is tough. They learn to take the good with the bad,
but they rarely consider themselves victims of circumstance.
Do your employees a favor. Encourage free agent thinking. As a
company, yes, you'll have to work harder to keep the talent you
want to keep. And yes, you'll probably lose some. Which is
better for your business...people who are actively engaged and
appreciate the opportunity, or people who are just waiting for
their next paycheck? You decide!
About the author:
As the owner of Essential Connections, Lora Adrianse is a
catalyst for clients who aspire to achieve optimal results. She
is accomplished in developing employees at all levels, a
seasoned business manager, and is passionate about helping
clients build extraordinary business relationships with
colleagues and customers She can be reached through her website
www.connectionscoach.com
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