The business marketplace is alive and interconnected like the ecosystem around us. When demand drops in business it has a ripple effect on all of us. Business is forced to become more efficient or do without. Same for the consumer. The recession is much more than a ripple, it is a large tremor. In fact, it is the earthquake deep below the sea. What comes next after a real earthquake in the ocean? A Tsunami is sure to follow.  As if the “earthquake” in business is not bad enough. I am certain there is little new to say beyond that it has had a profound impact on all of us. Living it means so much more than words. Not that it will be easy again.  Yet we have this belief that if we can just get through it- there will be less competition and more opportunity. And most of us would like to believe the the worst is behind us. Well perhaps. With every action there is a reaction! And with most underwater earthquakes there is a tsunami.
 
So what is the business Tsunami? Look around. Employees have changed. Those that took risks won’t anymore. Their spouse lost their job and its hard to speak up for fear that you might be next. Those that were loyal, can no longer afford to be. Business can’t be loyal to them right? Time for all to officially manager their own careers. Turnover is low for you right now? Not for long. Their are two years of employees that made the decision to stay because they felt lucky to still have a job! Yet they are starting to sense that they can look for greener grass. Not for money mind you. Rather to forget. It is easier to walk away from tough times when you can than it is stay and fight. Common sense and basic instincts of fight or flight. No ones fault. In fact, just understand it.
 
Employees stop wanting to make decisions? Looking to leadership to make the tough call? These are tough times, however, the front lines talk to your customer everyday and now they want to just do their jobs?  Now is the time to teach, to support, to remind all that is it is ok to risk. That not risking is a sure way to delay any hope of a turnaround.
 
The recession has changed the workforce in many indelible ways. Yes recessions end. Yes we will someday look back at this time as a distant memory. In the meantime we must live with the tidal wave of change that is just beginning. Are you feeling it? Do you see it? Do you disagree? I think I am looking for a fight on this topic. Be prepared. This is time to plan for the unexpected. And to expect surprises!