Tough Times Management

By

Dr. Alfred M. Coke

Effective management in stable conditions would be easy. Anyone could do it! However, leading and managing an organization during turbulent times requires a steady hand on the helm. When the world is in chaos the need for professional modeling becomes even more critical. This article defines the five things a successful manager does to guide the organization to calmer ports.

A recent comprehensive review suggests significant commonalities across management literature. These are components that seem to stand out above all the options open to the leader.

Item #1: A clear and powerful vision. If we believe the 80% rule then most businesses do not know where they are going long term. Most have bogus short term plans but even those lack a definitive Vision Statement. Too often boiler plate platitudes are found. Seldom are they crisp, clear, and definitive. 

Clarity of the ultimate direction is a comforting feature when facing tough times. Employees want to know that management is going to bring them through the trouble. People need hope on the other side of the disruption.

Item #2: An up-to-date “theory of business.” What today’s managers do not know about the fundamentals of operating a business is downright scary. It is frightening that corporate North America is in the hands of assorted levels of managers who simply don’t know how business works, how the parts and pieces interrelate, and how to align them into a powerful enterprise.

Now add danger, chaos, and troubled times to fractured business applications and watch further self-destruction. There are many lessons to be learned from the past that can be applied to the present. This doesn’t suggest we relive history but rather to become smarter by not making the same mistakes. Managers need to be well read and well versed in what works and what doesn’t.

Item #3: A plan for what they want to do. This one is easy. If you don’t have plan you are not competitive. Extensive research over the past decades proves that companies that plan do better than those who don’t. A solid business plan is the framework or rally feature when things are going badly. It becomes the focal point for working out of problems.

Item #4: A consistent, congruent, and believable role model. Managing in tough times requires effective leadership. Employees want to believe that management is moving through the stress and are confident in their ability to succeed. During stressful times leaders can never show fear or discouragement.

Item #5: Results in real time. Great managers get results in both stable and unstable situations. During tough times they are able to draw from their wisdom, judgment, and experience to bring the organization back on course.

In Summary: All organizations experience hard times. That is a part of the business cycle. Good leadership and effective managership will carry the day no matter what the situation.