Why "Free Agent Thinking" Is Good For Your Company

It's no secret! Day after day the news is riddled with
companies who are moving operations to other countries
or completely closing their doors. Those who remain must
transform themselves to lean, mean, businesses with a
constant eye on reducing costs.

For the first time, the baby-boomers are finding
themselves in an unpredictable work environment.
They are shaken by the instability of what the future
holds...and with good reason.

Company messages are mixed. On one hand, they talk
about wanting to be "an employer of choice" with a
reputation for retaining talent. On the other hand,
they need the ability to be fluid...fluid enough to
restructure and reorganize to meet the constantly
changing needs of the market.

How then, do you walk the fine line between wanting
to retain without implying promises for the future?

Encourage "free agent thinking". In other words,
release the golden handcuffs.

* At every opportunity tell them you know they have
many employers to choose from, and thank them for
choosing you.

* When you communicate change, send a message that
change is the "norm" in today's economy. Replace
"message spins" with truth and hard facts.

* Teach them to embrace the mindset of personal
branding and how to approach their work as if they
are in business for themselves.

* Make sure every employee at every level understands
the state of the business. Be sure they know how their
performance contributes to the business results. Tell
them what the business needs from them to be more successful.

* Help them be prepared by offering resources and
encouragement to keep resumes up to date.

If you were thinking this is a little radical and
you would be crazy to take this advice...THINK AGAIN!

* People who think like free agents act as if their
future depends on every thing they do, or don't do.
They have a sense of personal responsibility and
personal power.

* Free agent thinkers understand that every person
they encounter is a potential customer, or can
lead to a customer...so they treat everyone like
a valued customer.

* Free agent thinkers anticipate change and understand
that the competition is tough. They learn to take
the good with the bad, but they rarely consider
themselves victims of circumstance.

Do your employees a favor. Encourage free agent thinking.
As a company, yes, you'll have to work harder to keep the
talent you want to keep. And yes, you'll probably lose
some. Which is better for your business...people who are
actively engaged and appreciate the opportunity, or
people who are just waiting for their next paycheck?
You decide!