With the continuing disruption of the pandemic putting the usual Christmas break at risk, it’s important for business leaders to rally their troops and keep them positive for the final stretch of the year.
Maintaining the optimism and enthusiasm as darker nights take hold, without the respite of the usual social activities that grace this time of year, is equally essential to sustaining the appetite for change, which has been a key business story threading throughout 2020.
Following the shock of the country going into lockdown and the introduction of the furlough scheme, the pandemic has provided a once in a lifetime pause for thought. This is an unprecedented chance for companies to look honestly at what works, what should be changed, and what practices and attitudes are no longer viable – and to take the leap and make it happen.
Construction, manufacturing and business titles are full of articles from captains of industry evangelising on how to build back better. The tone of conversation has moved from ‘wouldn’t it be great to able to…’ to ‘we can take this chance…’
For example, the latest CPA State of the Trade Survey finds that 53% of construction manufacturers are expecting to invest more in their e-commerce and digital presence in the next 12 months. This signals a big shift in investment intentions from previous years.
Throughout the SLG client roster, there are stories of how business teams have taken challenges head on. They have adapted their manufacturing practices to minimise social contact without affecting production. They have moved entire teams to home-working and stepped up to support local communities with volunteers and donations. People have used their skills to achieve successes in times of adversity that go beyond the bottom line.
It is so important for business leaders to communicate these successes internally and externally. Especially at a time of the year when well-chosen words could provide a timely boost for employees, suppliers and customers.
It’s early days, we’re all still working our way through the hardships and heartbreak of pandemic. In time, 2020 could come to be seen as the reset so many industry sectors needed but could never reach. This year could provide the opportunity for business leaders to build the positive change they wanted to see, and to rework a company into the business they always wanted to work for.
The year of the big rethink needs to keep going.
For advice and support in ensuring your future vision for the company can be communicated effectively, speak to SLG.
