Building in Uncertain Times
Rob Dutkiewicz
Any organization that is truly serious about growth must first make a serious commitment to consistently recruiting fresh talent into the firm. This holds true even in times of uncertainty, like the current environment we are all in. Organizations may see hiring as an area they can pull back on when times get tough, but it is important to resist this temptation. You do not want to risk being left with a shortage of much needed talent or missing out on individuals with management level experience.
According to Harvard Business Review, “It can be tempting to focus on the short term of crisis management. But when we emerge from this unfolding tragedy, it will be the long-term thinkers who not only survive but thrive. If your organization is well-capitalized and visionary enough to hire for lasting greatness, now is the time.”
As firms expand and grow, whether in new services or deeper knowledge, I encourage them to look to the outside to add talent. I’ll admit, this does come with its own set of challenges like disrupting old habits and putting pressure on the culture, but it’s definitely worth it. A firm’s culture is its greatest asset; however, with good communication and careful integration, it can be maintained and even strengthened with the addition of new talent.
You need to have training and development programs in place to help your staff technically hone their craft and expand their skills in the less technical, but vital areas such as leadership, mentoring, relationship-building, and sales nurturing. Formal programs are important to help supplement skills, but I firmly believe that the best training is on-the-job training.
I still remember a comment that a wise and seasoned professional once shared: “Being a professional is a lifestyle.” Now this statement covers a lot of ground, but at its core, it means that it takes constant commitment to succeed. A commitment to your colleagues, to your clients, and most importantly, a commitment to yourself. A commitment that you will constantly strive to improve while making the investments, and sometimes sacrifices, necessary to excel.