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 | Green Ideas |  |  Switch to electronic faxing Provide secure bike parking Encourage telecommuting & flex scheduling as well as online meetings & conferences | | | | | Dear Friend, | | | The news is dominated by two recurring forces in our personal and professional lives-the continuing negative economic pressures and the "greening" of just about anything. I suggest we marry these two concepts into The 5 Keys for Individuals and Business to Survive These Times. And yes, contrary to the doomsayers, we will survive!
Welcome to our special edition of View from the Ridge:
The Greening of Our Perspective
 | | | | | | | - Reduce.
- For individuals--be mindful of what you use on a daily basis and use just a little less. Simple, uncomplicated and you will reap the benefits in so many ways.
- For businesses--reduce turnover. Your good employees are continuing to seek new opportunities and are changing jobs, regardless of the economic conditions. They are less interested in "waiting it out." Do not take your top employees for granted, and take time now to review your retention practices.
 - Recycle
- For individuals-- Check out your city or county web site to find out what can and cannot be recycled as well as the best way to dispose of used electronics and other non-recyclable waste.
- For businesses--review and recycle organizational wisdom.
- Move people to different positions. Cross-train in other jobs, expanded project opportunities internally, even community volunteer assignments are excellent low cost ways of developing your talent. Make sure you are fully utilizing the talents and knowledge of your employees.
- Send only 1 employee to a conference or external training. Upon return, ask them to prepare an extensive debrief to other team members. Not only is the information shared by many, the "instructor" must pay attention and learn by teaching peers.
- Use Resources wisely.
- For individuals--keep and maintain that in your life, people, activities and things that make you feel good. Clear out all that no longer serves you.
- For businesses--What are your most critical issues your organization faces today? According to the 2008 Cypress Ridge Summer Survey, 72% of respondents indicated finding and hiring the right people is the greatest challenge, while 38% indicated keeping employees engaged and motivated was significant. It's all about the right people doing their best work. It's time to review your Staffing practices and effectively engage your employees, both current and new employees. (Watch for our Fall newsletter's article on Staffing-getting the right people on board.)
- Review and reallocate.
- For individuals--review the bills you receive and consider consolidating insurances, phone bills, etc. to simplify your life and receive discounts. Set up more electronic payments. Small changes reap significant benefits over time.
- For businesses--Consider alternative work arrangements. Telecommuting and flexible work schedules can be piloted in a variety of jobs. Job sharing often results in two great motivated workers working part-time. However it requires clear communication among everyone and clear understanding of job responsibilities. Consider outsourcing projects, perhaps utilizing interim Human Resource professional support in critical areas for planning and future success. (Check out our new Client Advisory Program for an alternative to increasing your HR headcount, yet meeting the critical needs today.)
- Refuse to participate in the "recession".
We are bombarded daily by news that we are in a recession and all that is wrong with just about everything, often making us feel powerless to do anything. Fortunately, there is much that is right in our lives and businesses. Continue to focus on what's right and do more of that. - For individuals--Identify what's important in your life, such as family, friends, and health. Be more conscious in improving those areas and creating the life you desire. Happiness and peace within do not cost a dime and the rewards are priceless.
- For businesses--Identify the strengths and reasons your clients do business with you. If you don't know, ask. Also, identify the reasons your employees work for you. Focus on your company's strengths and grow upon what is working. Continue to train and develop your employees, get out and meet personally with customers, ask questions and listen. Innovate, motivate and reward new ideas. Market, sell and provide outstanding service to your existing customers. This is not the time to cut back; it is the time to look to the future, continually identifying new opportunities.
"I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life."
George Burns, at age 87-- he lived to be 100
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