This is for those of you who are in the fortunate position to still be employed or run your own business in tough times like we are currently facing. 1. Be grateful – you may not like everyone you work with or even who you work for, but you are working when there are many who are not.

2. Go the extra mile – unfortunately cutbacks happen. Work still needs to be done and clients need to be taken care of, but cash may not be available to keep everyone who is currently employed. I learned early in life that when companies are going to make staff cutbacks, they want to retain the employees who are willing to go beyond their duties without complaint or more compensation. If you are a business owner, be sure to do the same for your client. Show them that they have made the right decision by keeping you as a vendor or service provider. You cannot control the outcomes but you can influence the decisions that go into those outcomes.

3. Be a part of the solution – when there are challenges it is best that everyone contributes to the process of overcoming the turbulence that could otherwise be devastating.

4. Self-evaluate – is there anything that you could possibly do to become more efficient, effective or excellent in what it is that you are being asked to do?  Over time everyone can go through a period where they experience a slump or dip in what it is they are doing. Baseball players develop some bad habits and hit less, golfers start to slice the ball, receivers drop the ball and you too lose your edge.

5. Self-correct – put yourself on the road to growth and development by taking pride in what it is that you are doing, even if you do not love what you are doing. Take pride in it because you are involved. If you consider yourself to be skilled, talented, gifted and worth your hire, you will have the drive that will propel you to the next level.

6. Encourage your leadership – when you have the opportunity, let your leaders know that you believe they can navigate through the waters of tough times. Let them know that you’re committed, ready and able to do your duties and beyond. And for the self-employed or business owner, this is when you see the value of mentors. People who can speak into your life and bring you a fresh dose of encouragement and optimism that is so desperately needed.

Things will get better. But things will not get better on their own. It will take changes, adjustments and contributions from everyone and not just a few someones.

I still believe that the current circumstances do not and will not define us.

Tim Pecoraro

Tagged in: challenge, Change, Economy, encouragement, Entrepreneur, Hard Work, Work, Working