HOW HAVE YOUR PRIORITIES CHANGED?

Whatever generational cohort you fall into, there has been virtually no escaping the current worldwide economic crisis. Those lucky enough not to have lost their jobs or lucky enough to have gotten jobs to start their careers still are likely to face increased tension and greater pressure to produce in the workplace. People who might have been planning to retire in the next five years are re-thinking that decision. Younger people who thought they had limitless options and could jump from place to place if things were not to their liking are learning what older generations have seen before in economic downturns - but in spades!

As  a congenital optimist (but one who doesn't like being disappointed), I am staying upbeat and believing that there are opportunities, albeit probably different ones. I've even started the Optimists' Tribe which has attracted an overwhelming response.

But, not being delusionary, I am re-thinking my priorities. What about you? Given the current economic crisis:

*   How have your priorities changed? Or have they not changed?

*   How has your life changed? Or not?

*   What positive changes do you see (e.g., in people's values, opportunity for workplace restructuring, more authenticity, transparency, whatever....)?

Please comment and share your thoughts. Thanks!!

Phyllis Weiss Haserot      www.pdcounsel.com

Comments

[Kathy Kirk]

I have been surprised to see people so depressed and seemingly without resources (not money) but ingenuity and heart. I just want to cheer everyone up, and focus them back to Who They Really Are and say, "Now, let's roll!" So have my priorities changed, YES!
Now I want to get my work out there in a big way, because I know it will help us to return to ourSelves where our creativity and new Life is. I'm excited that the old structures are passing away, so that new, more Real can take its place. This is the beginning our Renaissance.

[Jeri Quinn]

I'm an eternal optimist also. The recession doesn't change my vision for myself and my contribution to the world. It doesn't change my values. It helps me be more creative and that's a good thing. There are plenty of opportunities. They are just in different places. The world is changing, nothing new there. We're seeing those with actual value rise to the top when all the fluff is stripped away. Those made of mostly fluff will have to make themselves truly valuable and that's a good thing for them, although it may be more difficult in the short term. As a business coach who helps people with strategic planning I see some people starting businesses that they've always wanted to start, but were just too comfortable to let go of what was stopping them. I also see forward thinking businesses promoting themselves when others don't. Here's a stat that might get you thinking. B2B firms that expanded their advertising during the 1981-1982 recession saw a 275% increase in sales between 1980 and 1985. Those that cut back averaged only 19%. Somebody will use this recession to make lemonade from today's lemons. It could be any one of us.