Top tips: On staying in shape through the economic downturn

Amanda Gore. Photo / Supplied

Corporate speaker Amanda Gore gives businesses tips on staying in shape through the economic downturn

My company is announcing redundancies and employee morale is low. How can we lift spirits?

Communicate the positive changes expected from the restructure and ensure you give staff the recognition they crave by acknowledging their continued efforts and complimenting them on their resilience, positivity and spirit. Have team meetings for staff to discuss the best things that have happened to them in the past week or month.

A staff member is a negative person, adversely influencing others working alongside her. How can I address her attitude without offending her?

Negative people are often unaware they are having this impact. Describe to her how others feel about her attitude, and ask if she is aware of this. Then ask how you can help her achieve behavioural change so the team can work harmoniously together. Emphasise that you want to help her be happier in her job.

I've been told I have low "emotional intelligence" and find communicating with staff on a personal level a challenge. How can I change?

Read The People Pill by Ken Wright, which addresses these issues and gives practical strategies. No matter what business you are in, you are dealing with people and how they feel around you will transform the way they work. It determines how engaged, creative, innovative, and inspired they are. Help them grow and develop. We change people's behaviour when we touch their hearts.

Why do I never seem to have enough time to get things done?

When we're focused, we can do more. When we perceive that we have no time, stress follows, as does confusion and inefficiency. Our ability to prioritise and focus is affected. In short - breathe, prioritise, focus on one task at a time and tell yourself you have plenty of time. Rushing is the enemy of efficiency.

In a prolonged recession, what is the best strategy for business survival?

One of the mindsets that starts to take over during a prolonged recession is hopelessness. People sense it and start looking around for other work - especially your best people. A mood of realistic optimism and being transparent is critical for a leader to retain staff and grow a team that "weathers" the storm better than the competition.

If you would like to book Amanda Gore for your next company event, contact Celebrity Speakers at www.csnz.co.nz