A slowing global economy is clearly posing unique challenges to businesses all over the world, the CEO now has to take on the additional responsibility of familiarizing everyone in the organization with the changed dynamics of the market, besides using forecasts to take hard decisions, including reducing employee strength and recasting business plans.
The CEO is required to take on the role of the communications and human resources manager to keep employees informed, motivated, engaged and also involved in business concerns.
The CEO’s role has many dimensions, his ability to understand and connect with his people as well as create a motivating and engaging environment…
There is a huge pay-off from talking with and listening to employees. Just like an annual general meeting addressed by the chairman of a company who gives shareholders a chance to understand the company’s goals and ask questions where the employees are addressed by the CEO, helps instill faith among the workforce and motivates them…
CEOs also need to be careful about not ending up with negative reactions in their scramble to manage short-term pressures, CEOs who are able to see long-term goals even as they manage the shortterm pressures tend to make the difference. “This is a time when a CEO’s leadership skills, courage, vision and innovative have to float on top”
“Companies come down to cultures and individuals during tough times,” says Laurence G. O’Neil, president and CEO, Society for Human Resource Management, a US-based not-for-profit organization focused on human resources management. “The key skill in these times is being able to steer clear of ambiguity,” he says. “If the CEO does not present things clearly, it creates nervousness and uncertainty amongst employees.”
Original Article: http://www.dearguest.com/index.pl/chairmans_note_1_2009