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By Dave Willmer
Question:
"Our company is starting to look toward the economic recovery and preparing our operations for growth once conditions improve. I have been asked to develop ideas for making changes to my IT department that will help position us for the upturn, but I am lacking ideas. Any advice?"
Dave Willmer responds:
Challenging economic times understandably make companies more cautious, but prolonged inaction is not a sustainable business strategy. Nor is clinging to business models that no longer apply in the current environment. The most strategic organizations use times of uncertainty to strengthen their operations so they can respond swiftly to new priorities.
Following are some tips based on Seven Hidden Business Opportunities in a Challenging Economy, a new complimentary publication from our company that can help you identify opportunities to enhance the way your IT department operates, so your team will be prepared to assist the organization today and once the economy improves.
Nourish grassroots ideas
Make it a part of your department's culture to have employees offer fresh ideas based on their experience working "in the trenches." For example, they may know of opportunities to cut costs, ways to better prioritize tasks or skills gaps that should be addressed. To promote excitement and a shared vision, hold group brainstorming sessions where employees can build upon each other's ideas.
Emphasize that you are interested in hearing suggestions and receiving input — even negative feedback — from all staff. And be sure to follow up with team members who offer suggestions: Even if you can't put their ideas into action, it is important to respond and explain why their recommendations, although valued, aren't being implemented.
Strengthen your talent bench
Now may be the right time to consider adding talent to your IT team, particularly professionals with hard-to-find skills. Budgets may still be tight, but making strategic hires can help the company stay productive during this difficult period and contribute to its success when the recession abates.
Seek out multitalented IT professionals with a range of technology and business expertise who can handle a variety of projects and responsibilities. A specialized staffing firm can help you locate individuals who possess the skills, attributes and experience you seek. This approach can significantly cut down the time spent on the candidate search and hiring process.
Assemble a smart talent mix
Another way to keep your team efficient and nimble is by implementing a flexible staffing model. Supplementing your core staff with temporary employees allows you to adjust personnel levels quickly and cost-effectively, according to business demands. And when the economy starts to grow again, you'll have access to the skilled and experienced IT professionals you need to take advantage of new opportunities.
Bringing in temporary staff also ensures your top full-time talent isn't bogged down by low-priority tasks or burned out by excessive workloads. In addition, by taking a holistic view of your staffing needs and determining when your IT team is typically under extra pressure during the course of the year, you'll know when to bring in reinforcements.
Groom future leaders
Difficult times can bring out the best in people. This is why you should view the recession as a "testing ground" for rising stars on your team. Pay particular attention to staff members you feel are able to play vital roles for the organization once the economic recovery is underway. You may want to redesign certain positions to make them more interesting and enriching for key employees.
By providing stimulating assignments and meaningful responsibilities, you will keep your employees motivated to perform despite the uncertain environment. Bright, creative people need to know their employer is investing in their long-term growth. Emphasize the value of the knowledge, training and experience your staff are gaining during this challenging economic cycle. Future leaders will realize now is their time to shine and set an example for the rest of the team.
For a free copy of Seven Hidden Business Opportunities in a Challenging Economy, call 800-793-5533.
Dave Willmer is executive director of Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis. Robert Half Technology has more than 100 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.rht.com.
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