“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” These are not the words of an economist trying to lead us out of the economic downturn but the thoughts of Andy Warhol, the celebrated artist.

And he had a point. Unless you are ready to adapt to the rapidly changing environment in which we live, at best you run the risk of standing still. More likely, your competition will overtake you. The point is that how we manage ourselves, as individuals or employers, is critical to survival in a competitive business environment.

From research conducted by the Chartered Management Institute, it is clear that there is also a loud voice for the idea that organisations should be focusing on product innovation to stay afloat during the downturn. This idea of investment is backed up further, with only 35 per cent agreeing that the best response to recession is to cut costs.

Many believe that knee-jerk responses to the present economic climate must be held in check. They are, rightly, saying that calm is needed in the face of economic gloom. Indeed, now is the time to ensure that you are future-proofed. For an individual, this translates into developing the skills that employers need now and into the future; in short, making sure you become a vital piece of the organisation’s machinery.

Geared up for gloom and doom

Managers are feeling insecure but optimistic that they can steer a path though the current malaise

BACKGROUND

• Don’t panic and stay close to your clients

• Some sources of help and inspiration

• Be master of your own fate

• Communication is key

BACKGROUND

• Look to the constants in a bumpy future

• Managing is easy when times are good

• Are you ready for the future?

• When it comes to the crunch

But even if individuals want to gain qualifications, the onus still remains on employers to support them. They will have to give serious consideration, rather than just paying lip service, to how they develop their managers and leaders, what routes for progression they offer and what working practices they allow.

Focusing on these issues will answer a key question for employers: “How do I become an employer of choice?”

Some may argue that we talked our way into the downturn; that events were steamrollered by the fears that were voiced and the predictions that were made. However, we are where we are and it is important to avoid recriminations. What matters is learning from the situation we are in and leading our way out.

Indeed, in the coming months and years, we will all learn not just how to deal with crises, but how much ability we have to cope with them. It is, after all, easy to manage when times are good, but the current climate is a real test of how strong the UK’s leadership credentials really are.

Jo Causon is director, marketing and corporate affairs, Chartered Management Institute

CMI stands for ...

What is the Chartered Management Institute? It is the only chartered professional body for managers and leaders. By sharing future insights and providing the latest management information, the CMI supports individuals at all levels and all sectors to take control of the challenges they face on a daily basis, ensuring they deliver results that make a positive impact and get noticed.

By working with employers, it also helps to develop and retain the best management talent, driving performance to improve the bottom line.

The CMI’s aim is to enable you to maximise your potential – and that of your team – by accessing its wealth of management support material. It is committed to helping managers at every level to adapt to change, deal with ongoing challenges and prepare for the future.

It is also in a unique position to work with employers to identify and develop the necessary management and leadership skills that drive performance in the UK and internationally.

To get an edge on the competition, download the CMI’s free management guides or find out more by visiting its website, managers.org.uk/however

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