Leadership in Uncertain Times

I just finished reading a good book recently published by Ram Charan called Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty. He said "when we think about the CEO's job, it is helpful to divide it into two realms: leadership and operations. This first is about inspiring and motivating people to go beyond their fears and painting a believable future that is waiting after the storm. The second is about the daily nitty-gritty of doing business successfully in a very tough and unpredictable environment."

The latter is easier to do - grind it out.  The tougher part is to inspire and motivate other when things look real bad. But I believe there is strength in numbers and you don't have to go it alone. Draw in your best people and ask them what they think and will do in this tough economic environment.

Our Environmental Solutions Business Unit Vice President, Robert Remkes, has coined a phrase this year, "Boots on the Ground." We are rallying around the idea that we need to be involved with our customers as much as we can. We cannot go it alone without them either and that they may have some of the best ideas yet to be discovered.

Hang in there. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know. This blog is one way to communicate with us and I hope you will find it useful. Please let me know.

Jeff Shallcross