The document discusses leadership challenges in an uncertain business climate. It notes that the economy will not return to normal and different leadership will be required. It outlines external factors creating an unpredictable environment, such as economic slowdown, healthcare reform, and regulatory changes. Internally, companies have responded with engagement programs, wage freezes, and wellness initiatives. Leaders are advised to get comfortable with uncertainty, enhance business skills, and drive change. They should share benefits data to engage employees during difficult times.
3. Harvard Business Review
August 2009
Leadership in a (Permanent)
Crisis
• Wh th economy recovers, thi
When the things won’t
’t
return to normal – and a different mode of
leadership ill be
l d hi will b requiredi d
3
5. What We Face Externally
The “Perfect Storm”
Economic slowdown
Political
environment
Sales and Profit
challenges
Healthcare reform
Maturing workforce
Increasing Regulatory
requirements
Morale erosion
Obesity
Unemployment
The business environment is increasingly unpredictable, and complex
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5
7. How We ve Responded Internally
We’ve
Employee engagement Cut operating costs
programs
Wage freezes
W f Wellness Programs
Benefit/Compensation Chronic Condition
statements management
Surveys
Plan design changes,
cost sharing
Communications
Layoffs
7
7
8. Some Good News
• December 2011
– 200,000 new jobs
– Unemployment 8.5%
p y
• Head hunters are swamped
p
• Consultants are busy
• Election year economics
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9. The New Normal
• Uncertainty
• E
Ever-changing b i
h i business climate
li t
• Get on board the train or….
9
10. 1.)
1 ) Take care of yourself
• Get comfortable with the new normal
• Enhance your business acumen
• Become a Change Leader
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11. Lewin s
Lewin’s Change Model
• Unfreeze
• Ch
Change
• Refreeze
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12. 2.)
2 ) Help your leaders help you
• Benefits business case
• L d
Leaders: W ll
Wellness E
Evangelists and
li t d
Champions
• Data, Data, Data
, ,
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13. 3.)
3 ) Keep employees engaged
• Walking off a cliff
g
• Comp/benefits statements work
p
• Healthcare “Reform”
• Employee stories, Social Media
• Be candid, share more data
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14. Summary
• New Normal
• T k Care of Yourself
Take C fY lf
• Help your leaders help you
• Keep employees engaged
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