This morning I attended an informal breakfast meeting that was organized by a friend and neighbor in my local community. People from various disciplines attended, Fortune 100, entrepreneurs, consultants and healthcare were all at the breakfast table. We had a purpose to see how we can help each other as well as our community.
The agenda:
1. Adapting to the New Rules of the New Economy
2. Positioning ourselves during these challenging times
3. Co-opting our efforts
4. Community contribution
Of course the conversation
and topics went in many directions off agenda but of value and of great
interest to the group. We all agreed that this is a very challenging time in
our lives, careers, community and our Nation. Vast change is happening, it was
very helpful for me to hear the comments and observations of fellow citizens
dealing with the issues of the day.
One story struck me as very
relevant. The Newark Star Ledger is downsizing, as many newspapers across the
country are doing, in offering an “early out” to its employees the response was
greater than expected. The paper had to go back and ask certain employees to
stay after they had agreed to leave, the observation was those who were leaving
had the “smiley face”, cash in hand and now the time to reinvent themselves and
move on with their live out of this declining business sector. Those that
stayed have to deal with low morale and a potential losing battle.
This scenario is now being
acted out each week across our nation with various industries and sectors of
our economy. The major dislocation of this down turn and the change it brings
will be the largest challenge we face. Don’t wait for TARP money to come your
way. Prepare your mind and body for the challenges ahead. This is not a time
for FEAR or ANGER…it won’t help you. Focus, adjust and let go of what was and
deal with what is.
Recently I heard an
expression that makes sense right now. “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a
mystery, that is why today is called the PRESENT.”
Make today count.
Paul Anovick
Anovick Associates
Developing Potential, Producing Results.
