Build a Plan that is Future-Proof

Think back to six months ago. How would you have defined and measured success? If you used those same measurements today, are you failing? Is everyone around you failing too?

Success is a funny word in the realities of today. It is difficult to think of your company as succeeding when standard measurements and long-established goals are not being met. But because the length and depth of this economic shutdown is unknown, it is a mistake to simply put your goals on hold. Or worse, to let everyone continue in a state of constant failure.

Instead, use this period of time as an opportunity to test the foundation of the organization and determine what independent actions set up success for the future. You may not be able to be profitable at this moment, but you may be able to make up that loss by doing some things exceptionally well right now that enable you to outperform your competition when the recovery begins.

THESE TIPS WILL HELP YOU TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS WITH YOUR TEAM

Redefine Success for the Near Term

Put it into goals and numbers that can be measured immediately. Communicate those new measurements to reassure your beleaguered and frustrated employees that they are doing the right things right now and are positioning themselves for good results to come.

Define Each Job Component

For each role within your team, peel back the onion and break the job into pieces that are definable. Where sales are unattainable, move away from revenue-based activity to value-based activity. Finding ways for your customers to see you as valuable will pay out dividends in the future. For each component, set goals that are realistic and measurable. Help your employees connect the dots to the long-term success goals.

Focus on Growth and Effort

Use new standards of measurements in slow times verses booming times. Make success based on growth and effort. You can’t make it about the scoreboard, it’s about getting better and stronger.

Build the Foundation

Do things the right way. During busy times, we often become driven by simply getting the job done. Now, because we are forced to slow down, you can dive into the process and examine how to do things exceptionally well. It’s also an amazing time to establish deep relationships across a varied list of companies. People aren’t as busy – get on the phone and have a discussion with your customers, vendors, employees. Don’t ask them for anything, simply check in and develop that connection further. Ask questions that may give you an opportunity to provide value and be a resource for the future.

Reward Success

As a business, most likely cash is tight. And while you have redefined success for the current times, it won’t translate into commissions for your employees because those are tied to sales that may not exist. But you must recognize and reward accomplishments through communication, access to higher level executives and acknowledgement of each individual’s progress. Don’t underestimate the value of a phone call from a boss to recognize and employee’s growth and effort.

If you do things correctly, you will almost instantly increase morale. But from a long-term standpoint, you will have established a foundation that will convert to revenue as soon as it is available.