Firestorm | Minneapolis Business Networking

A couple of months ago I had an email forwarded to me with this attached.  I thought I would share it with all of you as I think it is some valuable info.

-Philip-

44 “Secrets” and “Clever Strategies” For Dealing with the Recession of 2008-XXXX
Tom Peters 03.26.09  http://www.tompeters.com/

I am constantly asked for “strategies/ ’secrets’ for surviving the recession.” I try to appear wise and informed-and parade original, sophisticated thoughts. But if you want to know what’s really going through my head, see the list that follows.

• You come in earlier.
• You leave later.
• You work harder.
• You may well work for less; and, if so, you adapt to the untoward circumstances with a smile-even if it kills you inside.
• You volunteer to do more.
• You dig deep and always bring a good attitude to work.
• You fake it if your good attitude flags.
• You literally practice your “game face” in the mirror in the morning, and in the loo
  mid-morning.
• You give new meaning to the idea and intensive practice of “visible management.”
• You take better than usual care of yourself and encourage others to do the same-physical well-being determines mental well-being and response to stress.
• You shrug off shit that flows downhill in your direction-buy a shovel or a “pre-worn” raincoat on eBay.
• You try to forget about “the good old days”- nostalgia is self-destructive.
• You buck yourself up with the thought that “this too shall pass”-but then remind yourself that it might not pass any time soon, and so you re-dedicate yourself to making the absolute best of what you have now.
• You work the phones and then work the phones some more-and stay in touch with positively everyone.
• You frequently invent breaks from routine, including “weird” ones-”changeups” prevent wallowing and bring a fresh perspective.
• You eschew all forms of personal excess.
• You simplify.
• You sweat the details as never before.
• You sweat the details as never before.
• You sweat the details as never before.
• You raise to the sky and maintain at all costs the Standards of Excellence by which you unfailingly evaluate your own performance.
• You are maniacal when it comes to responding to even the slightest screwup.
• You find ways to be around young people and to keep young people around-they are less likely to be members of the “sky is falling” school.
• You learn new tricks of your trade.
• You remind yourself that this is not just something to be “gotten through”-it is the Final Exam of character.
• You network like a demon.
• You network inside the company-get to know more of the folks who “do the real work.”
• You network outside the company-get to know more of the folks who “do the real work” in vendor-customer outfits.
• You thank others by the truckload if good things happen-and take the heat yourself if bad things happen.
• You behave kindly, but you don’t sugarcoat or hide the truth–humans are startlingly resilient and rumors are the real killers.
• You treat small successes as if they were Superbowl victories-and celebrate and commend accordingly.
• You shrug off the losses (ignoring what’s going on in your tummy), and get back on the horse and immediately try again.
• You avoid negative people to the extent you can-pollution kills.
• You eventually read the gloom-sprayers the riot act.
• You give new meaning to the word “thoughtful.”
• You don’t put limits on the flowers budget- “bright and colorful” works marvels.
• You redouble, re-triple your efforts to “walk in your customer’s shoes.” (Especially if the shoes smell.)
• You mind your manners-and accept others’ lack of manners in the face of their strains.
• You are kind to all mankind.
• You keep your shoes shined.
• You leave the blame game at the office door.
• You call out the congenital politicians in no uncertain terms.
• You become a paragon of personal accountability.
• And then you pray.