So here are a few questions for you to consider as we end 2012. Have you bought your parachute yet and are you getting ready to dive off the fiscal cliff? Are you concerned that the European Union will crumble and cause the whole European economy to fail?
Notice I left out the Mayan Doomsday prediction. Yep, it’s past December 21st and we are still here and prospering. But if you’re worried about 2013 you still might have some of that “glass is half empty” pessimism and it might be impacting your decision to make investments in the growth of your company. As leadership coach and owner of a job placement firm I want to offer the “glass is half full” perspective to the discussion and focus on the benefits of hiring for 2013. A thriving business is within reach.
Lots Of Qualified Talent
As a former labor market analyst and planner and now leadership coach I read the reports and understand them. There are quite a few talented people who have left the workforce – by retirement, lost jobs, or stopped looking, to name a few. There are equally a large number of people who would be interested in earning more money, switching careers or companies, or going off on their own to start their own business. I know; I have been coaching many of them to reenter the workforce. You know what they tell me?
“When is someone going to recognize that I can be a great asset to their business?”
Related: The Lack Of Qualified Job Candidates Is A Myth
Point is, there is lots of qualified talent available. You don’t need to wait for Miss or Mister Perfect (they may not exist, except in your mind). Think about applicant potential for growth, person-future fit (applicant and company), and performance upsides. Yes, you need to make sure the person can do the job and has a solid and positive reference and background check performed. But first define your job function requirements and identify the skills, aptitude, attitude, talents, values, and behaviors that the work and job require.
Related: 5 Tips For A Great Job Interview Process
Growth Requires Investment
Yes, this business adage still applies in a variety of areas in your business. My focus is on talent investment and people investment. Become the owner or manager who believes that people are an investment, not a cost. Shift the paradigm to understanding that investing in your people assets are good investments that if managed and motivated effectively will improve your bottom line and help your business to grow.
Waiting For Politicians Is Like Waiting For Your Ship To Arrive – You’ll End Up At The Bus Station
At some point all the politicians will decide – something. Can you afford to continue to wait? Many of your competitors are not waiting. What will that do to your competitive position in your industry, in your region? What are your customers hoping that you will do? Take action; manage the risk by preparing an actionable plan. But don’t be one of those owners who end up at the wrong terminal. This brings me to my next suggestion.
A Plan Requires People To Execute It
Yes. You first have to have a plan for your people investment. What resources do you need in terms of finances, materials, equipment, training, and support? What performance goals have you and others established to help you and your employees to be successful? What strategies have you developed to guide the implementation of these performance goals? What are your time frames to achieve these objectives? How will you measure success? And, are you willing to share this process with your existing and new people to make sure they get achieved?
Related: Want A Thriving Business? Focus On Planning Smart!
Growth Requires Action – Not Pondering
Thinking about something will yield further thoughts, unless the thinking is focused on action and results. Thinking about hiring new people and becoming preoccupied with thoughts other than those that are focused on hiring new people to help you implement the growth plan that you have been thinking about will not improve your business’ growth.
Waiting will leave you at the bus station, while your competition will be cruising along in their ship. So if you want a thriving, vibrant, and growing business in 2013, start the process now.
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Images: ”Your New Job Green Road Sign Over Dramatic Clouds and Sky / Shutterstock.com“
