Leadership in an Uncertain Economy
5 Tips for Building Stronger Teams
In an uncertain economy, the idea that a company will succeed or fail based on its people is as true as ever. But in times like these, even employees not directly affected by mass layoffs may be negatively impacted when it comes to work. Employers can expect to see increased job insecurity, higher stress, heavier workloads, and reduced teamwork among employees in this type of climate, according to research by Sirota Survey Intelligence, specialists in attitude research.
So, what can employers do to combat these negative effects and get the best out of every employee? One great solution is to focus on building stronger teams. When strong teams characterize your workplace, it helps increase retention of top candidates, encourage innovation, and even boost productivity. Here are five tips for building stronger teams, based on ideas from Patrick Lencioni’s book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.
1 – Build Team Trust. Without trust, teamwork is virtually impossible. In teams, trust occurs when every member of the team knows their teammates’ intentions are good – not just the leader’s. Trust is present in teams when co-workers are vulnerable and comfortable with each other. In uncertain economic times, employees are more likely to put their own interests ahead of the team’s, making fostering trust within teams a particularly challenging prospect. Leaders focused on building team trust communicate openly, reward employees who put the team first, and take the lead in being vulnerable themselves.
2 – Discuss Issues. One of the five dysfunctions many teams have is fear of conflict. This is present when teams don’t openly engage in debate or discuss issues. But, productive conflict is healthy for team growth. This doesn’t mean co-workers should engage in office politics or interpersonal conflicts. Rather, teams should discuss pertinent business issues to quickly resolve challenges and achieve results. Leaders can set the stage for this aspect of team building by setting the standard for healthy conflict resolution among team members.
3 – Foster Commitment. Teams that demonstrate commitment aren’t held back by the lack of consensus that plagues dysfunctional teams. That’s because they know the value of acting even when everyone does not agree on the course of action. They also demonstrate the ability to act without complete certainty of their results. As Lencioni says, putting off a decision to wait on certainty or consensus is dangerous, because this habit breeds lack of confidence and inactivity within a team. So, great leaders foster commitment by enabling their teams to commit to a course of action quickly – even without complete consensus – for the good of the team. They allow every member of the team to be heard but create deadlines for decision making and ensure the process is moving forward.
4 – Require Accountability. In team accountability, everyone recognizes the importance of holding each other accountable for performance. One good way to enable this accountability is by sharing group goals and standards. When everyone on a team knows what is expected, professional accountability is possible. This also enables the creation of group rewards, which helps to establish a culture of mutual accountability. “More than any policy or system, there is nothing like the fear of letting down respected teammates that motivates people to improve their performance,” Lencioni says.
5 – Focus on Results. Unfortunately, many get distracted by team and individual status. Particularly in times of economic uncertainty, this is a threat. Work groups often tend to pour their attention into the question of their survival as a team and ignore performance. Ironically, this focus does more harm than good and increases the risk of downsizing. Great teams, on the other hand, focus on producing great results, no
matter what. Leaders who want to equip their teams to focus on results can use results-based reward systems, retain achievement-oriented employees, and make a personal commitment
to results themselves.
Even in an uncertain economy, it’s important to focus on building the best possible team. By ensuring that employees are committed to each other and to your company’s vision and goals, your business can do more than just survive in a competitive world. Start by focusing on these five behaviors, and equip your entire workforce to thrive as a committed team.
Start the New Year Right
7 Habits for a Healthier Workday
If you take the time to examine your habits, chances are, you will come up with some goals for things you can improve in both your health and in your career. Have you ever considered how these two types of goals can impact each other? Physical health often impacts mood and outlook, which affect productivity and commitment. In turn, your performance is a huge indicator of success when it comes to your career goals. So, whether you’re looking for ideas to share with your team or are examining your own habits at work, check out these seven ways you can have
a healthier work-life all year long.
Physical Health
1. Be active at least 10 minutes a day. Making exercise and stretching a part of your daily work routine has many health benefits, but it’s often one of the most difficult habits to maintain. One reason most people are inactive is the excuse of not enough time. But, did you know that if you get eight hours of sleep each night, you’re still awake 960 minutes each day? So, commit to simply exercising, walking, or stretching for at least 10 of those minutes. You can easily integrate this much activity into your day by parking in a space far from the door, taking a couple of five-minute breaks to stretch at your desk, or bringing a pair of sneakers to the office and using part of your lunch break to walk – inside or out. Even if you currently maintain a regular exercise routine, being active throughout the day will help your body maintain optimal performance and increase brain power.
2. Think before you eat. The workplace is one of the biggest places people deter from healthy eating habits. There is often an abundance of snack food available, and it’s easy to wreck an otherwise great diet by putting away calories while you’re at work. So, before you head to the conference room to pick up a donut, think. Set yourself up for success at work when it comes to food by bringing a variety of healthy snacks from home, and consider finding a work buddy to help keep you accountable. Even though it may seem like a small thing, experts say a balanced diet is key to a healthy mind, which can help you focus on your work and boost creativity.
3. Opt for water. Soda and coffee are often office staples when it comes to beverages, but the spare calories, not to mention caffeine intake, can add up fast. Experts also say too much caffeine can hinder performance and actually increase overall fatigue. So, focus on drinking a healthy amount of water each day instead. Try bringing a cup from home to ensure water is readily available at your desk or workstation.
4. Wash up. Hand washing is a simple concept, which may be why so many people neglect it, especially at work. But washing your hands is still the best tip health experts offer for preventing illness, even at work. If getting to a sink is a challenge, keep antibacterial hand gel at your workspace. Don’t limit hand washing to only before you eat. Using a keyboard or phone, attending networking events, using equipment, traveling, handling paperwork, and many other work-related activities expose you to germs. So, make hand washing a more frequent part of your daily routine to make sure you don’t end up spending too many days out of the office on sick leave.
Peace of Mind
5. Don’t pile. Toss, and file. You may not think of organization as a matter of health, but your physical space can make a big impact on your peace of mind. So, make it a point to clean and clear your workspace on a regular basis. File documents you don’t need immediate access to, and throw away any paper you don’t need to save for legal or procedural purposes. Keep your electronic workspace clean as well by emptying your e-mail inbox and organizing your electronic files in folders. Having a clutter-free work zone will also have a positive impact on time management by letting you spend less time sorting through things and giving you more time to focus on developing projects and completing tasks.
6. Think happy. When it comes down to it, your mind is one of the most powerful factors contributing to your health. So, harness the power of positive thinking and let your outlook impact those around you. Thinking positively can help relieve stress, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall mental health. Plus, a positive outlook can help boost your performance and increase focus and drive, helping you achieve your career goals.
7. Give yourself a break. Stress management is an issue workers across all industries grapple with at work. To make matters worse, many people often make the mistake of making resolutions and punishing themselves mentally or giving up if they fail, which just adds to stress levels. This makes most resolutions short-lived. So, be generous with yourself instead. Applaud each day’s success and let that set the tone for your journey to healthier habits at work.
When you evaluate your goals, don’t forget about your work habits – after all, you probably spend about 480 of your waking minutes at work each day. Set the pace for your workforce and commit to healthy habits at work all year long.
Work it Out
Stretching in Your Workspace
If you can’t find time during the day for a cardio workout, at least make room for stretching while you’re at work. The benefits of stretching, especially for the desk-confined worker, are immense. It can reduce pain, strain, and stress, help posture, and increase flexibility. Here are a few stretches experts recommend incorporating into your daily routine at work.
• Neck Stretch. While sitting, grab the right side of your chair with your right hand and pull gently while bending your head to the left. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
• Shoulder Shrugs. Lift your shoulders up to your ears and squeeze them hard. Hold this for two seconds, and then roll your shoulders down into a relaxed position. Do 10 repetitions. You can do this while seated or standing.
• Hip Stretch. While seated and sitting up straight, cross your right ankle over your left knee. Then, lean forward slightly, keeping your back straight, until you feel a stretch in your hip. Press your right knee gently toward the floor to increase the stretch. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds for each leg.
• Low Back Stretch. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, flex your abs, and twist your torso gently to one side. Hold on to the side of the chair to increase the stretch, making sure to keep your back straight and hips square. Twist only as far as you are comfortable. Hold this for 20 seconds, and repeat on the other side.
• Hand and Arm Stretch. Place one arm in front of you, turning your hand down with fingers pointing to the floor. Use your other hand to pull the fingers toward you gently. Hold for 20 seconds, repeating with the other arm.
• Stand Up. For those who spend most of their work hours sitting behind a desk, simply standing up straight to complete a few tasks is a great way to stretch your leg and back muscles. Plus, it puts you into position for some other simple stretches.
• Side Bends. While standing, bend to one side and hold for 10 seconds. Make sure your abs are engaged and your shoulders are down. Repeat this on the other side. Do multiple repetitions.
• Forward Bend. If you’re in a discrete space, bend forward while standing to get a good hamstring stretch. Keep your legs straight without bending your knees. Hold for 10 seconds.
These guidelines do not constitute expert medical advice. If you have back, neck, spine, or other health problems, please consult with your physician before beginning any exercise routine.
Employment Law Trend Guide
What to Expect in 2009
This new year brings with it many changes to the workplace. A new president, a changed economy, and new business issues will impact both the regulations employers must adapt to and realities every business must face. What can you expect going into 2009? We’ve compiled this quick summary on what the experts say are the hot employment law trends to watch this year.
Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – Changes in Congress could mean the passage of EFCA, a bill introduced in 2007 and intended to amend the National Labor Relations Act, making it easier for unions to organize employees, among other changes. Employment experts say this bill poses significant issues as it is currently written and is one of the most pressing issues employers will face in 2009. Experts disagree on how long EFCA will take to pass, but say regardless of when it passes or whether it ends up being re-written, now is the time to begin preparing for EFCA and the changes it could bring.
Health Care Reform – Experts say health care reform will be another theme in 2009 with the changes coming to the White House and Congress. There are many proposals under discussion, but this will be a hot trend to keep a pulse on throughout the year.
Fair Pay Bills – According to reports from the Society of Human Resource Management, there are three bills that are likely to become top priorities for Congress when President-Elect Barack Obama is sworn into office. He co-sponsored the bills, which deal with the 2007 Supreme Court ruling Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
- The Ledbetter Fair Pay Act would amend the statute of limitations for claims of pay discrimination filed under Title VII, making it easier for employees to file claims.
- The Paycheck Fairness Act would amend the Equal Pay Act regarding sex-based pay disparities and allow for compensatory and punitive damages.
- The Fair Pay Act would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and require employers to offer equal pay on jobs with comparable effort, skill, working conditions, and responsibility.
Healthy Families Act – Congress will also consider this bill in 2009 which would require employers with a workforce of 15 or more individuals to offer no less than seven paid sick leave days each year to employees who work 30 or more hours each week. This bill was co-sponsored by both the president elect and Vice President-Elect Joe Biden, so experts say it will also be championed in 2009.
Crime Victims Employment Leave Act – This amendment to Family and Medical Leave Act would allow employees who are victims themselves or whose immediate family members are victims of violent crimes, including domestic violence, to take leave to attend court proceedings. This bill was introduced by Obama’s selected White House chief of staff.
Workplace Religious Freedom Act – This act is also proposed for Congress in 2009, and it would increase the difficulty for an employer claiming undue hardship in accommodating a particular religious accommodation.
Title VII Protected Class Update – The Employment Nondiscrimination Act is proposed to amend Title VII by adding sexual orientation as a protected class. Employment experts say this bill is likely to be passed in one form or another, though there will likely be much debate about the issue.
Employment Verification Updates – Other proposed legislation may mandate an employment verification system or make the current E-Verify program the mandated authorization program to verify if individuals are authorized to work in the U.S., though Obama does not support expanding E-Verify.
Federal and State Employment Laws – In addition, there are many new bills that will likely be introduced at the federal level, including changes to the National Labor Relations Act, additional changes to Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act, amendments to the FLSA and the Federal Arbitration Act, and expansions to the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Across the country, many states will see changes to their employment and HR laws in 2009.
Keep Your Knowledge Current
With these and other proposed bills impacting workforce and employment law, experts say employers should begin looking at addressing questions and issues that may arise from proposed legislation now.
To make sure you’re equipped to handle changes in federal and state employment laws into 2009, contact your local Express office today to ask about our HR Hotline service. With our hotline, you can pick up the phone and speak with a certified HR professional who will answer your workplace questions and help you address specific issues your business faces.
Exchange is a publication of Express Services, Inc., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2009.