Thursday, February 12, 2009

OI Partners Newsletter: HR Leadership for Organizations in Crisis


Human Resources leadership in organizations going through a crisis is always a challenge. Management seeks HR's ability to help manage difficult communications, retain essential talent and maintain morale. This newsletter contains a case study from an HR leader whose company was going through a major crisis, comments from a leading HR search consultant, and other articles discussing the challenges to HR. It is during these challenges that HR really brings its expertise to the fore.

Sincerely,
Ronald F. Ennis, Ph.D., CMF
Jean Erickson Walker, Ed.D., CMF

OI Partners Newsletter: HR Leadership for Organizations in Crisis Summary

Leadership in Troubled Times: Don't Waste the Crisis
The current domestic and global economic crisis has everyone worried, especially employees who may be unsure of their job security. They want to help correct the situation and are willing to modify the work or the culture. Develop a strong business plan, manage the plan aggressively, and encourage employee involvement. Let the employees help maximize the performance of the organization.

Managing Human Capital in Turbulent Times: A Case Study from an HR Survivor
In 2005, a jury rendered a devastating verdict in a patent lawsuit that forced Boston Communications Group, Inc. (bcgi) to face potential bankruptcy. Employee faces-from the top down-were stunned, frightened and filled with uncertainty. Today, companies facing severe economic challenges are in a very similar situation, but for different reasons. Here's a look into how bcgi managed through a turbulent time.

Is the Leadership in Your Company in a Downturn Alongside the World Economy?
In the face of the emerging economic crisis, business leaders must remember that any solution for surviving a crisis must include their employees. Although the crisis eventually will pass, people's memories about the way they were treated during tough times can impact a business forever. Leaders must inspire, motivate and reassure employees so they feel that they are in this together.

Corporate Communications: Its Importance During an Economic Crisis
Corporate Communications have evolved over years and so have their potential and objective. The primary goal remains the same - communicating information to employees, stockholders, media and customers. Anticipating the uproar and acting accordingly is the key to managing a crisis well. With a proper crisis management framework in place, an organization can turn a crisis into an advantage.

How to Find Stability in a Crisis at Work
In times of great change and uncertainty we look for some stability. We want to orientate ourselves, to know where we are so we can navigate to where we want to be. Consider what is important to you, what you really value. Your values act as an anchor so that when you have a decision to make you know which choice will honor your values and which may take you off course.. Here is a quick exercise to help prioritize your values to keep you on track.