In business and in politics it is the hardest to do; working together (to benefit together). Examples enough but let us focus on a few to end with the key.
Since Obama is president Republicans do their best to disorganize him; nothing wrong with reminding him of promises, criticizing and delivering better solutions though.
Unfortunately that hardly happens. Too much is at stake, so instead of handing over solutions they fight him internally. The biggest enemy of the US is their own political scene which decides the future.
Obama needs more support now because if he looses the next elections the Republicans will have to continue with a sloppy economy, high unemployment, the same health care problems and a huge deficit or even default. Not even mentioning the foreign threats and costly activities.
Instead of working together to fix the economy, to become more competitive, to protect the quality of life, education and human capital a few men decide they are more important. Or worse, their religion is more important.
Now this selfishness in politics is not new or can be solved easily. But why are most involved in corruption, taking advantage of tax payer’s money, not admitting any wrong doing, always blaming the other (party) etc?
Especially the past five years in perhaps the worst economic and financial crisis, the slow recovery, the global changes in terms of power and where the next generations are not ready to take over, this does not look very hopeful.
So, why do parties not work together? Why do we, the public, not force them? Why is the public a lame duck in every democracy? Are we too spoiled, too much pampered the last 50 years, too fat and egocentric to care about the next 50 years?
Talking about facts; with the highest unemployment in the euro zone Spanish politicians only accuse each other instead of working together. The results are and remain poor while elections will not change that despite the "promises".
In other countries like Argentina there is insufficient opposition to make a change. Where the rest of Latin America the past ten years could benefit from domestic reform and new strengths it seems the Argentine government is only doing what they did the last decades; taking care of those in favor of the government.
When the public cannot undo the way their politicians rule their country, even not after heavy and violent protests, the only hope is a global recovery of the economy. In that sense the European Union is better positioned than the Americas.
Despite Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Italy the other 25+ are doing better or not worse; a collective where the pain can be better spread (as the end of the pain is not in sight yet) than individual countries like Argentina or even the US.
Still even this patient, the EU, has to remove some tumors first. That can be done without loosing membership but to get an agreement about measurements, penalties and paybacks (lost investments) but a lot time is not left for clear decisions.
The next two years will be decisive for the next five years, just as the past seven years. Some will unfortunately not be able to make changes in time, some will. Those who will probably can lift some others till the next downturn.
It is too early to speak of an upturn and the recoveries have been short lived. Changing governments will not help much in this climate. Only when business and political leaders open up to their opponents proposing real cooperation and improve communication real solutions will be achieved sooner.
As soon as the signals are positive again the different parties can go back to their "individuality and ideals" but perhaps this united moment feels good. Would that not be a victory for all? Fighting the crisis together and continue working together on a better country?
The question is if these leaders really would like to have a better economy, better corporate results, better lives (for others etc). Because when things are going better, they will have competitors doing better and that is a threat to many.
It also marks that leaders are in fact not really leaders. They are scared old man (and some woman) not being able to do what they should do in their positions. That is why many fail while those who are successful shift places to continue their road.
As long as most leaders are not willing to share, only look at the short term and do not care about the happiness of others, any corporate, national or family crisis will take longer and a new one will be waiting.
Change will only occur when we really want to change and unfortunately this depends too much on some of us that decide for our future. When they do not change sooner or later we have to pay the bill (again) and the damage is done (again).
The key to do better fits in all doors but some doors will remain closed. Not because of the key or the door but because of the person that decides not to open. If only that person could agree here......
viernes, 1 de julio de 2011
martes, 24 de mayo de 2011
Can Spain sustain?
Economic reform is clear but what about society? Can Spain sustain their siestas, their late-night shows (children sleep at schools in the mornings), the first coffee breaks before delivering any contribution, the no-service culture and the (too) many holidays?
While it is the moment every person should support a turnaround changing and challenging the national behavior of a Spaniard seems to be a taboo. Even when Spain can become Greece?
When looking at the Spanish society it is clear an economic reform, cleaning up the low valued educational systems, breaking up the housing market or other necessities there is never a rush (mañana, mañana).
The just held local elections with a victory for the conservatives will not bring faster recovery or long last benefits from short term unpopular exercises. The opposition has nothing to offer in Spain.
If Spain would like to avoid another tragedy or become more resistant for future failures it cannot only change bank rules or asking again Northern Europe for financial support like the past 30 years. That will not kick back +20% unemployment!
Every person should wonder what he or she can contribute and if continuing like this could he or she really deliver a better future for their children instead of copying the behavior of the parents. Like the Spanish culture is untouchable.
Instead of again accepting local corruption and endless wars with the government (or changing places) Spain runs short of self-criticism. Perhaps current protests of youngsters are a start but who really cares?
As long as these protests look not to be supported by all or can be compared to student protests in other countries it is another incident. Is 50% of these youngsters and students satisfied and the other 50% unemployed and protesting?
It looks like Spain remains split up in their regional (national) quarrels where Madrid looks still too often down to the rest unnecessarily feeding the anger of the local parties that cannot let go of the past, like here in Catalonia. Like Greece there is only a national interest of "we" against "the rest". Excellent choice!
A national feeling can be less disturbing as long as the public remains open for fast changes but who would really support an increase of labor productivity or even saying good-bye to the “el Jefe” status? Lesser civil workers? Better infrastructure?
Take for example Barcelona; since 1992 (Olympic Games) no main changes of entering the city. The so called "rondas" cannot digest current traffic and connection from an ultramodern airport (just to show-off to Madrid) has no efficient public transport for tourists.
Just imagine; you arrive after a long flight and decide to take a train which stops in the center of Barcelona. First you have to take a shuttle, then crossing an old and useless corridor and find yourself with hundreds waiting for 2 trains per hour.
Now if the Spanish tourist sector really would have justified complaints like above a quick lobby would open doors but instead nothing changes. The tourist industry of Spain has remained unchanged just like its society. Everyone expects someone else will do the job tomorrow.
The younger generations can only find jobs in this primary GDP market but these jobs are temporal and do not offer trust or potential while many studied but cannot find a fit in the closed labor markets.
When Spain cannot unite and is not willing to take care of the younger generations nothing will change. Youngsters remain out of jobs, live with their parents as housing is too expensive and they cannot escape their vicious circles, just like their parents.
Hopefully Spain is not becoming Greece but instead of national egoism political and business leaders of Spain should worry more about the future instead of worrying about votes or who is next in power. And voters should no longer accept these tricks or only look what happens in the "pueblo" before it is too late!
Spain has lots to offer and can become again competitive with better options for the younger generations. To do that the older generations have to admit their failures by executing more unplesant but welcome reforming. Not in 2015 or in 2020 but now!
While it is the moment every person should support a turnaround changing and challenging the national behavior of a Spaniard seems to be a taboo. Even when Spain can become Greece?
When looking at the Spanish society it is clear an economic reform, cleaning up the low valued educational systems, breaking up the housing market or other necessities there is never a rush (mañana, mañana).
The just held local elections with a victory for the conservatives will not bring faster recovery or long last benefits from short term unpopular exercises. The opposition has nothing to offer in Spain.
If Spain would like to avoid another tragedy or become more resistant for future failures it cannot only change bank rules or asking again Northern Europe for financial support like the past 30 years. That will not kick back +20% unemployment!
Every person should wonder what he or she can contribute and if continuing like this could he or she really deliver a better future for their children instead of copying the behavior of the parents. Like the Spanish culture is untouchable.
Instead of again accepting local corruption and endless wars with the government (or changing places) Spain runs short of self-criticism. Perhaps current protests of youngsters are a start but who really cares?
As long as these protests look not to be supported by all or can be compared to student protests in other countries it is another incident. Is 50% of these youngsters and students satisfied and the other 50% unemployed and protesting?
It looks like Spain remains split up in their regional (national) quarrels where Madrid looks still too often down to the rest unnecessarily feeding the anger of the local parties that cannot let go of the past, like here in Catalonia. Like Greece there is only a national interest of "we" against "the rest". Excellent choice!
A national feeling can be less disturbing as long as the public remains open for fast changes but who would really support an increase of labor productivity or even saying good-bye to the “el Jefe” status? Lesser civil workers? Better infrastructure?
Take for example Barcelona; since 1992 (Olympic Games) no main changes of entering the city. The so called "rondas" cannot digest current traffic and connection from an ultramodern airport (just to show-off to Madrid) has no efficient public transport for tourists.
Just imagine; you arrive after a long flight and decide to take a train which stops in the center of Barcelona. First you have to take a shuttle, then crossing an old and useless corridor and find yourself with hundreds waiting for 2 trains per hour.
Now if the Spanish tourist sector really would have justified complaints like above a quick lobby would open doors but instead nothing changes. The tourist industry of Spain has remained unchanged just like its society. Everyone expects someone else will do the job tomorrow.
The younger generations can only find jobs in this primary GDP market but these jobs are temporal and do not offer trust or potential while many studied but cannot find a fit in the closed labor markets.
When Spain cannot unite and is not willing to take care of the younger generations nothing will change. Youngsters remain out of jobs, live with their parents as housing is too expensive and they cannot escape their vicious circles, just like their parents.
Hopefully Spain is not becoming Greece but instead of national egoism political and business leaders of Spain should worry more about the future instead of worrying about votes or who is next in power. And voters should no longer accept these tricks or only look what happens in the "pueblo" before it is too late!
Spain has lots to offer and can become again competitive with better options for the younger generations. To do that the older generations have to admit their failures by executing more unplesant but welcome reforming. Not in 2015 or in 2020 but now!
lunes, 28 de marzo de 2011
LinkedIn; what is left of B2B? Is B2B still the key?
Personal experience justified me writing critical notes about LinkedIn where requests and comments the past months were only receivable in written by Customer Service but never responded by a senior manager or someone from the development / engineering team (addressed separately through LinkedIn).
Partly disappointment about unanswered but serious B2B tool issues, fortunately still benefiting, LinkedIn was approached to deal with important matters when doing B2B over the net and most important when claiming to be the largest B2B tool.
Why would LinkedIn ignore a paid member that has success in doing what they promote?
What is the future of a B2B tool that becomes less a B2B but more a common social media tool, a clone of Facebook?
Or did LinkedIn discover success is limited and the best possible scenario is a network without B2B?
The first real (and largest) B2B network is not interested in suggestions from a paid member. Why would the management ignore what both should have as a common goal; improving the tool?
Could this mark a new mission and would this benefit the LinkedIn member looking for B2B?
The management (or responsible departments) look like to be instructed as the core business seems no longer establishing B2B but on becoming another type of network.
Facebook is for example larger, more profitable and involves no business making its entry levels very low while there are also no expectations like in B2B.
This can easily be defended since most members of LinkedIn act the same as in any other network. They show themselves but avoid doing business for their company.
After joining LinkedIn in 2005 the first goal was a large network but that changed because of B2B successes and quality became the next goal. In 2007 it was best to upgrade to a paid member which opened doors that could have remain closed or were hard to open.
This was rewarded by good opportunities saving a crisis year like 2009 while 2010 contributed well to record sales from LinkedIn (client) connections and communication.
Perhaps 2010 was an exceptional as a result. Can we as a company repeat it and can we continue using LinkedIn as the best global B2B tool?
This is honestly doubted. Known for some time many LinkedIn users, despite their settings, do not welcome business deals at all (even when their profile identify them as decision makers) and more members are concerned about new job opportunities, getting recommendations from old colleagues or welcome anyone in their network.
The real doubt or threat comes from the management of LinkedIn. What is their business plan and strategy? A short term hope of being bought by other investors or perhaps merger with Facebook? A quick profit after now being listed on Nasdaq?
Before explaining further just a short translation of users at LinkedIn that should not be here or become open to business as they represent a company or organization;
- groups discussions hardly or never involve statements related to B2B from business leaders where introductions are used to overestimate skills, achievements and experience.
LinkedIn is clearly not yet accepted by corporate means where fear of spam is justified because LinkedIn cannot filter spam. In fact they let members do the guarding of new members like group acceptances.
Still transparency and connections fortunately can undo (some of) the above but this is a too small bias and should be the stronghold of LinkedIn.
- direct approach, even when activated business deals or reference requests in profile settings, are not followed up by the owner of the profile. They do not represent employer, left organization or feel embarrassed because of wrong title?
A majority of the members should do B2B because this is not Facebook but the majority uses this tool to look for jobs, to find old class mates or trying getting the largest network. Or is doing business no longer the purpose of LinkedIn?
Besides these negative aspects of LinkedIn in the beginning of 2011 some essential utilization changes took place or better said user limitations were activated.
Partly features are reduced to force subscribers to upgrade their account, to pay more as they probably do not want to loose their business opportunities.
Subscribers but also normal members must have noticed it is no longer possible to activate a link directly at your own profile to send a group message to another connection that is part of the same group(s).
Perhaps for non frequent members not that important but when using LinkedIn for new business often it will cause delays during office hours which are not appreciated.
Removing such link is not explained by Customer Service, by their developers or engineers while knowing the reason or better the advantage should be easy explained as this has a paid service. It is like bringing your own chair to the movies.
Instead the importance for the recruiting industry, network junkies and unwanted advertisements seem to win it from real B2B deals and are the main reasons for the board of LinkedIn to go public or let their teams cut on B2B utilization.
Going public and getting the same status as Facebook explains the changes because social networks are not places to do business but to give consumer behavior insights.
Social media networks might offer B2B for companies but not for its members. When networking communities like LinkedIn claim exclusivity for doing business they should do more for their members which are professionals looking for business, not for social behavior when being on the payroll.
The question is if LinkedIn is still following the same principle or is just reaching the status of a milking cow where individual B2B will become less and less of interest, especially in case of small businesses.
As long as there is room for fake profiles, spam, insults at discussions, unanswered business deals, wrong impressions, false titles and no B2B usage improvements LinkedIn is not an exclusive and business network but just like any other.
Let´s see 2011 was just a bad start or the beginning of the end. To be continued...
Partly disappointment about unanswered but serious B2B tool issues, fortunately still benefiting, LinkedIn was approached to deal with important matters when doing B2B over the net and most important when claiming to be the largest B2B tool.
Why would LinkedIn ignore a paid member that has success in doing what they promote?
What is the future of a B2B tool that becomes less a B2B but more a common social media tool, a clone of Facebook?
Or did LinkedIn discover success is limited and the best possible scenario is a network without B2B?
The first real (and largest) B2B network is not interested in suggestions from a paid member. Why would the management ignore what both should have as a common goal; improving the tool?
Could this mark a new mission and would this benefit the LinkedIn member looking for B2B?
The management (or responsible departments) look like to be instructed as the core business seems no longer establishing B2B but on becoming another type of network.
Facebook is for example larger, more profitable and involves no business making its entry levels very low while there are also no expectations like in B2B.
This can easily be defended since most members of LinkedIn act the same as in any other network. They show themselves but avoid doing business for their company.
After joining LinkedIn in 2005 the first goal was a large network but that changed because of B2B successes and quality became the next goal. In 2007 it was best to upgrade to a paid member which opened doors that could have remain closed or were hard to open.
This was rewarded by good opportunities saving a crisis year like 2009 while 2010 contributed well to record sales from LinkedIn (client) connections and communication.
Perhaps 2010 was an exceptional as a result. Can we as a company repeat it and can we continue using LinkedIn as the best global B2B tool?
This is honestly doubted. Known for some time many LinkedIn users, despite their settings, do not welcome business deals at all (even when their profile identify them as decision makers) and more members are concerned about new job opportunities, getting recommendations from old colleagues or welcome anyone in their network.
The real doubt or threat comes from the management of LinkedIn. What is their business plan and strategy? A short term hope of being bought by other investors or perhaps merger with Facebook? A quick profit after now being listed on Nasdaq?
Before explaining further just a short translation of users at LinkedIn that should not be here or become open to business as they represent a company or organization;
- groups discussions hardly or never involve statements related to B2B from business leaders where introductions are used to overestimate skills, achievements and experience.
LinkedIn is clearly not yet accepted by corporate means where fear of spam is justified because LinkedIn cannot filter spam. In fact they let members do the guarding of new members like group acceptances.
Still transparency and connections fortunately can undo (some of) the above but this is a too small bias and should be the stronghold of LinkedIn.
- direct approach, even when activated business deals or reference requests in profile settings, are not followed up by the owner of the profile. They do not represent employer, left organization or feel embarrassed because of wrong title?
A majority of the members should do B2B because this is not Facebook but the majority uses this tool to look for jobs, to find old class mates or trying getting the largest network. Or is doing business no longer the purpose of LinkedIn?
Besides these negative aspects of LinkedIn in the beginning of 2011 some essential utilization changes took place or better said user limitations were activated.
Partly features are reduced to force subscribers to upgrade their account, to pay more as they probably do not want to loose their business opportunities.
Subscribers but also normal members must have noticed it is no longer possible to activate a link directly at your own profile to send a group message to another connection that is part of the same group(s).
Perhaps for non frequent members not that important but when using LinkedIn for new business often it will cause delays during office hours which are not appreciated.
Removing such link is not explained by Customer Service, by their developers or engineers while knowing the reason or better the advantage should be easy explained as this has a paid service. It is like bringing your own chair to the movies.
Instead the importance for the recruiting industry, network junkies and unwanted advertisements seem to win it from real B2B deals and are the main reasons for the board of LinkedIn to go public or let their teams cut on B2B utilization.
Going public and getting the same status as Facebook explains the changes because social networks are not places to do business but to give consumer behavior insights.
Social media networks might offer B2B for companies but not for its members. When networking communities like LinkedIn claim exclusivity for doing business they should do more for their members which are professionals looking for business, not for social behavior when being on the payroll.
The question is if LinkedIn is still following the same principle or is just reaching the status of a milking cow where individual B2B will become less and less of interest, especially in case of small businesses.
As long as there is room for fake profiles, spam, insults at discussions, unanswered business deals, wrong impressions, false titles and no B2B usage improvements LinkedIn is not an exclusive and business network but just like any other.
Let´s see 2011 was just a bad start or the beginning of the end. To be continued...
jueves, 24 de marzo de 2011
Japan; what will be the impact on the (global) economy?
At this moment economists of well known resources world wide come with their adjustments (and similar explanations) on Japanese economic growth (GDP) expectations for 2011 and beyond, including currencies and other leading indicators.
Now the damage, the delays and the recovery will have an impact, here is no disagreement. The question here is what this will do to your economy and business?
Some say it is too early to tell and adjust modestly, others heavily correct their forecasts downwards of Japan or other countries. Probably the truth will be somewhere in the middle but what are you going to tell your management or stakeholders? Following a heavy paid opinion in case it goes wrong?
If Japan is a key country to your business or Japanese firms are competing it will be helpful to access reliable data and to integrate them efficiently at any corporate level. Now who can deliver that? What resource outperforms others about Japan? What fits nowadays in your budgets?
Let us not tell each other stories and fairy tales about forecasting. There is no resource (or economist) able to tell you what exactly this impact will be in the short, long term, in size, in dollars or yen or in your industry. It is all guessing, constantly adjusting and no one will afterward tell how wrong they were.
Some professionals do not care and rely blindly on that brand name provider where paying the price seems of lesser concern. As corporate pays the employees follow without benchmarking or doubt. A too common vicious circle of business - market intelligence with no tangible synergies or contribution.
Others tell their planning, market intelligence, finance or other data teams to search on internet looking for more (free) information about Japan. Here extra labor costs and outdated info seem not questionable because it is for free. Sure!
When knowing all the alternatives, what is your price for reliable economic data of Japan and the effects globally? What is your tool or provider? Do you care about quality, synergy and fees when using macro parameters?
If so, please contact me because on Tuesday the 5th of April we will release our new monthly edition of Major Economies, including the last changes of 25 selected national and international institutions for 10-15 key Japanese macro parameters (2-5 year forecasts).
Key differences with other alternatives; hard to beat average forecasts, more cost / time savings and faster ROI. Is that welcome in this business climate or not?
I´d be pleased to inform you how to get this Japanese update without charge. Thanks in advance!
Now the damage, the delays and the recovery will have an impact, here is no disagreement. The question here is what this will do to your economy and business?
Some say it is too early to tell and adjust modestly, others heavily correct their forecasts downwards of Japan or other countries. Probably the truth will be somewhere in the middle but what are you going to tell your management or stakeholders? Following a heavy paid opinion in case it goes wrong?
If Japan is a key country to your business or Japanese firms are competing it will be helpful to access reliable data and to integrate them efficiently at any corporate level. Now who can deliver that? What resource outperforms others about Japan? What fits nowadays in your budgets?
Let us not tell each other stories and fairy tales about forecasting. There is no resource (or economist) able to tell you what exactly this impact will be in the short, long term, in size, in dollars or yen or in your industry. It is all guessing, constantly adjusting and no one will afterward tell how wrong they were.
Some professionals do not care and rely blindly on that brand name provider where paying the price seems of lesser concern. As corporate pays the employees follow without benchmarking or doubt. A too common vicious circle of business - market intelligence with no tangible synergies or contribution.
Others tell their planning, market intelligence, finance or other data teams to search on internet looking for more (free) information about Japan. Here extra labor costs and outdated info seem not questionable because it is for free. Sure!
When knowing all the alternatives, what is your price for reliable economic data of Japan and the effects globally? What is your tool or provider? Do you care about quality, synergy and fees when using macro parameters?
If so, please contact me because on Tuesday the 5th of April we will release our new monthly edition of Major Economies, including the last changes of 25 selected national and international institutions for 10-15 key Japanese macro parameters (2-5 year forecasts).
Key differences with other alternatives; hard to beat average forecasts, more cost / time savings and faster ROI. Is that welcome in this business climate or not?
I´d be pleased to inform you how to get this Japanese update without charge. Thanks in advance!
miércoles, 16 de febrero de 2011
Do they really get away with it?
This is based on real events. It is not something we can avoid in life. Nowadays it happens more or is more noticed due to for example the crisis mood among us. How can we deal with it? Is it worth to consider a change in our behavior or personality?
Actually this happens in your company too and you probably (hopefully) disagree but what can you do? And what if “they” get away with it? Does that not make you think of becoming one of “them”? Is that the way to be rewarded? Does that make you happier?
I recently got reminded of “them” due to the promotion of a senior black belt manager that despite his mismanagement of two years, despite a crisis, despite heavy job cuts and despite according to the facts he has no management talent at all, he got promoted!
Imagine your boss is never helping you. He or she is only dealing with a personal career. Then the company gets in heavy weather and even your position is at stake. You try to remain positive but then you hear your boss gets a promotion. What would you do?
Professional trainers, coaches, HR people, career planners and even mothers most likely will advise to remain calm, focus on maintaining your job, ignore the negative events and keep on smiling. Can you do that after giving years a 120% and receiving (never full filled) promises?
Can you do that while at the same moment your company decides to do a corporate survey where employees can share their feelings, motivation, comments and work happiness?
After finding out the results of the survey are positive (always) and the company CEO repeats its goals of creating a pleasant working environment where they do the best for their hard working employees by reaching their goals? Can you accept this b......t?
Of course not but you have to. It is humiliating and a disgrace to call your staff happy when the top management remains seated, stuffed with bonuses and even promotion is granted. But what can you do?
It would be much easier when jobs are plenty and switching can be done the same month. You cannot avoid getting in the same situation at your new work home but a fresh start is better than continuing in the old position. But that is not the case now, even though you can try. There is always a way out but sometimes it is not the right moment taking risks.
Instead you need to swallow your pride but not losing it by finding reasons to remain positive. The best to do is getting away from the work situation and ask for attention of friends and family. Do more sports but enjoy even more food (and drinks).
Go see nice movies or even take a short holiday. Overall look with a distance to what makes you sick (these people calling themselves bosses) and remember they will not get away with it! Never change because of your boss or management! It’s not worth it and it will not work for you! Take care and good luck!
Actually this happens in your company too and you probably (hopefully) disagree but what can you do? And what if “they” get away with it? Does that not make you think of becoming one of “them”? Is that the way to be rewarded? Does that make you happier?
I recently got reminded of “them” due to the promotion of a senior black belt manager that despite his mismanagement of two years, despite a crisis, despite heavy job cuts and despite according to the facts he has no management talent at all, he got promoted!
Imagine your boss is never helping you. He or she is only dealing with a personal career. Then the company gets in heavy weather and even your position is at stake. You try to remain positive but then you hear your boss gets a promotion. What would you do?
Professional trainers, coaches, HR people, career planners and even mothers most likely will advise to remain calm, focus on maintaining your job, ignore the negative events and keep on smiling. Can you do that after giving years a 120% and receiving (never full filled) promises?
Can you do that while at the same moment your company decides to do a corporate survey where employees can share their feelings, motivation, comments and work happiness?
After finding out the results of the survey are positive (always) and the company CEO repeats its goals of creating a pleasant working environment where they do the best for their hard working employees by reaching their goals? Can you accept this b......t?
Of course not but you have to. It is humiliating and a disgrace to call your staff happy when the top management remains seated, stuffed with bonuses and even promotion is granted. But what can you do?
It would be much easier when jobs are plenty and switching can be done the same month. You cannot avoid getting in the same situation at your new work home but a fresh start is better than continuing in the old position. But that is not the case now, even though you can try. There is always a way out but sometimes it is not the right moment taking risks.
Instead you need to swallow your pride but not losing it by finding reasons to remain positive. The best to do is getting away from the work situation and ask for attention of friends and family. Do more sports but enjoy even more food (and drinks).
Go see nice movies or even take a short holiday. Overall look with a distance to what makes you sick (these people calling themselves bosses) and remember they will not get away with it! Never change because of your boss or management! It’s not worth it and it will not work for you! Take care and good luck!
miércoles, 12 de enero de 2011
More pain in Spain
Not surprisingly but when it comes closer to home you also get worried.
I recently got informed that one of the largest insurance companies in the world will cut its work force by 30% in Spain.
I believe this is not unexpected but now advancing because of the recent labor law changes in Spain cutting the budget for firing people by 50%. Great government decision!
Instead of reforming the labor markets this kind of measurements are presents for corporate leaders that most likely will not be affected by a reorganization.
In a crisis changing the management is not seen as a good decision because you cannot blame them for what is caused by external factors. So, why firing people?
Someone very close to me working inside this French insurer updated me about the situation which looks to me a good example of how especially Spain is situated.
True, a reorganization cannot avoid firing people but who gets fired here in Spain? Not the top management in Madrid and not those related to the unions. First the teams outside Madrid, like in Barcelona and Bilbao.
Even those in Madrid who have to change jobs already are moved inside the firm while others outside Madrid are not getting the same treatment.
This is not new or shocking but it is negative in a country where many instead of contributing lack any vision or care. This country will not change soon.
The coming years bottoms will be reached and new elections probably change power but will Spain come out of the recession better? Will this insurer learn something?
I do not think so. Structural changes are needed while people have to be open for change. Well known intellectuals share solutions and comments but are ignored.
During the next years Spain will just survive thanks to the funding of the EU while selling assets at bargain prices to for example China.
When eventually the economic and industrial conditions allow it people will again be hired. The insurance company in this example needs those who got fired but most likely others take their place. Who wants to return where your value is zero?
Why do companies not take better care of human value? Why is saving now some better than saving a lot later? Or are new investments lower than former cost cuttings?
Many companies see stakeholder value as the priority. Even when saving 30% in salaries will not bring back net growth, better margins or market share.
On the contrary. Better positioned competitors definitely will benefit. To win back lost territory and clients major campaigns will be announced after this debacle.
Spain is not able to handle this kind of excesses while it is not positioned to avoid increasing unemployment. It will loose more competitiveness in the global markets as long as drastic changes are not taken.
Cutting 30% of your work force looks drastic but is not the best solution because 20% of these people will be needed again soon. Unless the firm decides to leave Spain but that seems unlikely after recently completing a large merger.
On top dis-investing will lead that the top management will walk away as assets are going to be sold. This is not the case in most (international) Spanish companies.
Finally lesser positioned or a longer recession will drive people away. A country with bad education, no first jobs available or missing an equalized housing market does not offer much of a future.
I wish all in Spain the best and hopefully my scenario is too pessimistic.
I recently got informed that one of the largest insurance companies in the world will cut its work force by 30% in Spain.
I believe this is not unexpected but now advancing because of the recent labor law changes in Spain cutting the budget for firing people by 50%. Great government decision!
Instead of reforming the labor markets this kind of measurements are presents for corporate leaders that most likely will not be affected by a reorganization.
In a crisis changing the management is not seen as a good decision because you cannot blame them for what is caused by external factors. So, why firing people?
Someone very close to me working inside this French insurer updated me about the situation which looks to me a good example of how especially Spain is situated.
True, a reorganization cannot avoid firing people but who gets fired here in Spain? Not the top management in Madrid and not those related to the unions. First the teams outside Madrid, like in Barcelona and Bilbao.
Even those in Madrid who have to change jobs already are moved inside the firm while others outside Madrid are not getting the same treatment.
This is not new or shocking but it is negative in a country where many instead of contributing lack any vision or care. This country will not change soon.
The coming years bottoms will be reached and new elections probably change power but will Spain come out of the recession better? Will this insurer learn something?
I do not think so. Structural changes are needed while people have to be open for change. Well known intellectuals share solutions and comments but are ignored.
During the next years Spain will just survive thanks to the funding of the EU while selling assets at bargain prices to for example China.
When eventually the economic and industrial conditions allow it people will again be hired. The insurance company in this example needs those who got fired but most likely others take their place. Who wants to return where your value is zero?
Why do companies not take better care of human value? Why is saving now some better than saving a lot later? Or are new investments lower than former cost cuttings?
Many companies see stakeholder value as the priority. Even when saving 30% in salaries will not bring back net growth, better margins or market share.
On the contrary. Better positioned competitors definitely will benefit. To win back lost territory and clients major campaigns will be announced after this debacle.
Spain is not able to handle this kind of excesses while it is not positioned to avoid increasing unemployment. It will loose more competitiveness in the global markets as long as drastic changes are not taken.
Cutting 30% of your work force looks drastic but is not the best solution because 20% of these people will be needed again soon. Unless the firm decides to leave Spain but that seems unlikely after recently completing a large merger.
On top dis-investing will lead that the top management will walk away as assets are going to be sold. This is not the case in most (international) Spanish companies.
Finally lesser positioned or a longer recession will drive people away. A country with bad education, no first jobs available or missing an equalized housing market does not offer much of a future.
I wish all in Spain the best and hopefully my scenario is too pessimistic.
miércoles, 10 de noviembre de 2010
Crisis; the best excuse for corporations
The past years opinions were shared about the crisis, what to do about it (always after wards) and who to blame. Countries, people and companies were accused but nothing changed while most likely a new crisis is already under way with new and old victims. Will corporations be better prepared or are they still in remote-sessions?
Announcing a new crisis is not shocking and please do not be alarmed. Perhaps this time the crisis will also hit China. Impossible? Maybe in words because that is another phenomenon seen the past years. China, where the stories are true but the data not, is not immune.
Now when and how is the future. Sure, there are global doom scenarios but also many still believe trees will continuing growing in heaven. Not in Brazil because too many are getting cut to remain competitive while the US will be back on track thanks to greed.
Well, this is all nice to know and you can disagree but what will hit you economically, financially or what makes you (more) happy? Can you influence a crisis or can a crisis only influence you? What about your work? Are you less open minded in a crisis? Less willing to take risks or make efforts for the firm?
That is the point here. Happiness in work through economic prosperity or loosing all interest and connection. Most of us are all guilty of it, some even exaggerate.
Corporations world wide, some suffer more of typical bad management, others suffer less because of better managers, products, strategies etc, have one excuse; the crisis.
The perfect excuse of stop spending and cost cutting. Not a new strategy but old fashion lay offs, budget restrictions and no more Christmas gifts for the employees.
The last is really true. One of the largest insurance companies (French, so know you now) last year at the last moment withdraw the X-mas gifts for all employees but not for the upper management. Probably they will repeat this soon. What a hoax!
Always excluded are the board, top management and shareholders because the show must go on. When not excluded your company is under-performing and someone has to be blamed (to pay the price).
This is exactly the reason of a new crisis because leaving is not without a bonus (for bad behavior), not without loosing market value and not without loosing stakeholders.
The new wonder boy or girl will mark the new place and to create space costs will be cut. The new boy / girl wonder needs full access to succeed but oops....there it happened again. A crisis disturbed all plans and the only way out is getting out.
Being exceptional is more luck than constantly outperforming others. Companies that survived the last crisis or do that now could do that because of better measurements during good times. Changing management will not do the same or can even be worse.
It is a combination of who hired who, what the person upfront is promised (bonus), can he or she manage people or are they just bonus hoppers? In fact there are too many who cannot be successful and they need to be paid too.
When the new crisis appears or even like now slowly evaluates, business leaders have the perfect excuse to secure their positions and that of their network. They tell their staff to cut costs but continue with their dinners, meetings and traveling.
It is all a visual circle where we (the staff) have to find our deals, our customers, our new jobs, our income and our future. This is colored by new technologies, inventions, medicines, leaders and social unrest & development. Where some loose, others (can) gain.
As this goes and goes for decades, even centuries, what is a crisis really? That you lost your job? That your house is not save or can be saved? That your firm is not making profit? That China is growing and the US not? Can that only happen in a crisis?
I believe that is not new at all or can really called a crisis. Perhaps a personal one but look at the stock markets. Some must make a lot of money there and those affected are watching while most others are cashing in.
It is finally the people´s attitude and not the crisis that create your situation. Unfortunately there are a lot of a-holes you cannot always avoid. Some you cannot even touch and you know they will cause the next (your) crisis.
Others find themselves the corporate dream team. Look at me! I saved the company millions said the new CFO (by destroying, not creating, what a hero!). Too bad six months or one year later these millions disappear in the accounts of the management or new manpower is needed.
The crisis creates sometimes hysterical calls for savings with really bad management. "Our budgets were cut. We cannot use your service". I do not know if this is the same for all products and services but when not using an external service that is needed the alternatives will always cost more. Great decision!
The best is to accept how it is, stay out of the way of a-holes and try to make the best of it. So, when you have the chance to make a difference, please do. Go with the flow and try to be like water more often. It is not about what you want but about what you get and do with it. Even when you or your firm is in a real crisis.
Announcing a new crisis is not shocking and please do not be alarmed. Perhaps this time the crisis will also hit China. Impossible? Maybe in words because that is another phenomenon seen the past years. China, where the stories are true but the data not, is not immune.
Now when and how is the future. Sure, there are global doom scenarios but also many still believe trees will continuing growing in heaven. Not in Brazil because too many are getting cut to remain competitive while the US will be back on track thanks to greed.
Well, this is all nice to know and you can disagree but what will hit you economically, financially or what makes you (more) happy? Can you influence a crisis or can a crisis only influence you? What about your work? Are you less open minded in a crisis? Less willing to take risks or make efforts for the firm?
That is the point here. Happiness in work through economic prosperity or loosing all interest and connection. Most of us are all guilty of it, some even exaggerate.
Corporations world wide, some suffer more of typical bad management, others suffer less because of better managers, products, strategies etc, have one excuse; the crisis.
The perfect excuse of stop spending and cost cutting. Not a new strategy but old fashion lay offs, budget restrictions and no more Christmas gifts for the employees.
The last is really true. One of the largest insurance companies (French, so know you now) last year at the last moment withdraw the X-mas gifts for all employees but not for the upper management. Probably they will repeat this soon. What a hoax!
Always excluded are the board, top management and shareholders because the show must go on. When not excluded your company is under-performing and someone has to be blamed (to pay the price).
This is exactly the reason of a new crisis because leaving is not without a bonus (for bad behavior), not without loosing market value and not without loosing stakeholders.
The new wonder boy or girl will mark the new place and to create space costs will be cut. The new boy / girl wonder needs full access to succeed but oops....there it happened again. A crisis disturbed all plans and the only way out is getting out.
Being exceptional is more luck than constantly outperforming others. Companies that survived the last crisis or do that now could do that because of better measurements during good times. Changing management will not do the same or can even be worse.
It is a combination of who hired who, what the person upfront is promised (bonus), can he or she manage people or are they just bonus hoppers? In fact there are too many who cannot be successful and they need to be paid too.
When the new crisis appears or even like now slowly evaluates, business leaders have the perfect excuse to secure their positions and that of their network. They tell their staff to cut costs but continue with their dinners, meetings and traveling.
It is all a visual circle where we (the staff) have to find our deals, our customers, our new jobs, our income and our future. This is colored by new technologies, inventions, medicines, leaders and social unrest & development. Where some loose, others (can) gain.
As this goes and goes for decades, even centuries, what is a crisis really? That you lost your job? That your house is not save or can be saved? That your firm is not making profit? That China is growing and the US not? Can that only happen in a crisis?
I believe that is not new at all or can really called a crisis. Perhaps a personal one but look at the stock markets. Some must make a lot of money there and those affected are watching while most others are cashing in.
It is finally the people´s attitude and not the crisis that create your situation. Unfortunately there are a lot of a-holes you cannot always avoid. Some you cannot even touch and you know they will cause the next (your) crisis.
Others find themselves the corporate dream team. Look at me! I saved the company millions said the new CFO (by destroying, not creating, what a hero!). Too bad six months or one year later these millions disappear in the accounts of the management or new manpower is needed.
The crisis creates sometimes hysterical calls for savings with really bad management. "Our budgets were cut. We cannot use your service". I do not know if this is the same for all products and services but when not using an external service that is needed the alternatives will always cost more. Great decision!
The best is to accept how it is, stay out of the way of a-holes and try to make the best of it. So, when you have the chance to make a difference, please do. Go with the flow and try to be like water more often. It is not about what you want but about what you get and do with it. Even when you or your firm is in a real crisis.
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