Having recently returned from the spring edition of High Point Furniture Market, it became apparent that we're witnessing a tale of two cities: some businesses are facing significant struggles while others are thriving with increased activity. And if you've weathered the challenges of the Covid shutdown and the aftermath of shoppers gone wild, the current business landscape might feel as if time is moving at a snail’s pace! The dreaded downturn…
As someone who's been in the home furnishings industry and interior design world for (far too long), I know firsthand how challenging economic downturns can be. But during these tough times, it's all about pulling our teams together and reigniting our commitment to what makes each of us special as a company.
Here are some strategies I've found that really work to strengthen our company culture and team spirit, even when business is slow:
Keeping Communication Open and Honest: More one-on-one.
Ditch the corporate-speak and just talk openly with each other. In team meetings, I make it a point to share what's going on with the business—both the good and the bad. I encourage everyone to speak up and share their thoughts and ideas. I also hold more 1:1 touch bases and chats, meetings where we can be more casual and linger over our ideas and create more community within the team.
Embrace Core Values.
You know those values we always talk about? Integrity, top-notch customer service, and teamwork? They're not just words in a handbook—they should guide everything we do. Let's really live by them, especially when times are tough. Tough times are back to basic times – a time to strengthen your foundation. Having core values and standards, should be non-negotiable.
Invest in Your Team.
Even during a downturn, I believe in investing in people. That means offering training sessions to help sharpen our skills and keep us ahead of the game. It shows that we're serious about our team's growth and development. Product knowledge, sales techniques, customer objections, etc.
Build Each Other Up.
We're all in this together. Let's create an environment where we support each other, share ideas, and collaborate on finding creative solutions. Maybe even plan some fun activities outside of work to strengthen our bonds.
Celebrate Every Win.
No achievement is too small to celebrate! Whether it's landing a big sale, getting a great online review, or just hitting a personal milestone, let's cheer each other on. Recognizing each other's efforts keeps us motivated and feeling valued.
Stay Flexible and Innovative.
Innovation often thrives in challenging times. Let's challenge ourselves to think outside the box and find new ways to meet our customers' needs. Who knows? Our best ideas might come from these tough times, some of the most successful businesses have sprung from them.
Lead with Positivity
As a manager, I believe in leading by example. I'm here to support my team and keep our spirits high. Stay positive and show that you're a team that can handle anything.
Navigating a downturn takes a village to come out stronger on the other side. Tough times don't last forever, but the relationships and culture we build will. Here's to weathering the storm and emerging even more resilient than before!