The Emerging Job Market

According to Rob McGovern, Jobfox's chief executive and founder and former CEO of CareerBuilder, likely positions that will come out of the new economic incentive plan include: construction manager, civil engineer, telecommunications engineer, information technology-related positions, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, power grid managers, biofuels chemists and (of course) the sales and marketing people who will sell the new technologies.

Training for IT Execs

Some training programs that focus exclusively on IT leadership have been increasing. They are aimed at making IT executives better, more credible corporate leaders. According to Barry Posner, author and professor at Santa Clara University's School of Business, "A lot of IT executives have come up the ranks by putting out fires... being reactive is not the kind of leadership skill that executives need right now, and that is why executive training in this context is so important."

"Entrepreneur" Drug

Cambridge University scientists have suggested that an "entrepreneur drug" might someday replicate the brain chemistry seen in successful small business owners. They claim to have some evidence that two areas could be affected by cognition-enhancing drugs: risky behavior in a decision-making context and cognitive flexibility, which are two areas that are prevalent qualities for success in small business entrepreneurship.

Conflict is inevitable, and could be the harbinger of your team's demise. It could also be an essential part of collaboration and solutions thinking. So how do you walk the tightrope of harnessing the energy that conflict creates while making it work for you (and your team, department or organization)?

Morale suffers at the hand of layoffs, job cuts and dips in profits. Since low morale is linked to low productivity, it can lead to continued disappointing profits - a self-fulfilling prophecy.

All of this is to say that while keeping your troops motivated and positive is good for their well-being, the ulterior motive is to keep productivity as high as possible in an unstable period. Read on to learn ways of boosting the spirits in your work environment.

Book Report

Power Surge
Margaret Seidler

Have you ever thought of your key motivational values? These are the crux of what motivates you, both professionally and personally.

In her book, Power Surge, Margaret Seidler gives the reader key insights into the motivational values that shape our decision making.
 

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Cutting staff was difficult for you. As a department manager it is never easy to let people go, especially in a difficult job market. However that difficulty was doubled when you were forced to make several cuts in a department that was already stretched close to its limits. The edict handed down to you was to create more efficiencies, automate processes where you could, and pay small amounts of overtime or outsource when needed.

It all sounded good, and looked feasible on paper, but when you returned to the reality of your workspace you realized that with your employees were working harder but getting less done. You'd loved to have worked with them on creating those efficiencies and automation but you've been forced to get on the floor with them - only to fall further behind by the end of the day.

Not even overtime, in the amounts you were allowed, were getting you where you needed to be. There simply didn't seem to be any way to create the change you had been charged with, unless you could completely shut down your operation for a period of days. Possibly weeks. And in the current economic climate that is simply not an option.

You brought the issue back to your supervisor, who happens to agree with you, but the executive team doesn't see it that way. You're told to try harder and to work smarter, and that the executive team would monitor your progress. Suddenly you feel as though bringing up the issue has placed a target squarely on your back. It is clear that you have over-downsized.

You request a meeting with your supervisor and key members of the executive team, who will listen to you, but are dealing with even larger problems. You are fighting your nerves, as you know that the executive team will be questioning your effectiveness. You sit down to write a statement describing the problem and your recommended solution, but want to be careful not to say that the executive team cut your department carelessly.

In a single paragraph how do you state the problem, and solution, to your executive team?

Send in your solutions!

Author Q & A

Dr. Stephen R. Covey

Our Author Profile this time is Dr. Stephen R. Covey. Recognized as one of Time magazine's 25 most influential Americans, Stephen R. Covey has dedicated his life to demonstrating how every person can truly control their destiny with profound, yet straightforward guidance. As an internationally respected leadership authority, family expert, teacher, organizational consultant, and author, his advice has given insight to millions.

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