Are Your Goals Aligned with the New Economy?

Source: CPA Trendlines

Leaders, managers and staff alike need to understand the new rules of the workplace as companies and clients across the globe seem to adjust on a daily basis to changes in economic trends, financial conditions and the business outlook.

John Engels, a long-time leadership coach based in Rochester, N.Y., at Leadership Coaching Inc., warns that, "for leaders," especially, "the consequences of side-stepping difficult yet important discussions can be particularly dire."

It's only natural, he says. But there are a couple of strategies that can help:

1. Gain some perspective--Leaders who are well-grounded and stable in their own personal lives … "are more likely to believe that an uncomfortable conversation is not a federal case," he says, and so, do not over-react.
2. Apply some clear thinking--Instead of automatically avoiding situations, good professionals are always asking themselves: "What's good for the organization? What tone of voice would be the most productive? What outcome do I want?"

The irony is that "soft skills" are essential to navigate through organizations under stress. But "hard skills" are still most rewarded. And maybe that's understandable.

But today, the ability to inspire and motivate, to communicate and persuade and to manage people's emotions and expectations are "the most important qualities to be successful." Decision-making skills and even financial and technological acumen "crept down to the bottom of the list."

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From CPA Trendlines, http://cpatrendlines.com, "The New Rules for Your Career," June 18, 2009.