Tough times don't last; tough conversations will get you through!

Personally, I'm refusing to participate in this recession! That doesn't mean that I'm pretending that there are no economic pressures around me...just that I'm choosing to get into action to overcome them, rather than let them get me down!

I believe that one of the keys to thriving in this environment is having better conversations - in business and personal relationships. In stressful times like these, we need to be in active communication with our team members and our life partners, sharing the good, the bad and the potentially ugly. If we don't, we risk the danger of people making up their own version of what's going on, or of what MIGHT happen. Almost inevitably, their imaginings are worse than any reality.

So, what kinds of conversations are you having, with the individuals and groups you work with? Are you empowering them to take positive action, or are you letting them make their own decisions - possibly bad ones? Are you consciously driving yourself and your team through the confusion that reigns at the moment, or are you crossing your fingers and hoping that it will all come out alright? Just in case you're confused, it probably won't unless YOU take some positive action!