Do You See People as Assets or Costs?

Your people know what you really think. Do you value them? Even though there has been a sharp spike in unemployment, good talent isn’t easy to keep! Multiple clients have lost talent to better opportunities since COVID-19 started. People are on the move.

Are You Attractive to Potential Employees?

Top talent will not sit idle. A colleague and former client who is an excellent find for any manufacturer found a new job in a matter of a few weeks when downsized during COVID-19. It was an exciting opportunity, and she was attracted to the potential in the new job. I am 100% confident they will pat themselves on the back for snapping her up.

Several CEOs have mentioned that they are taking the opportunity to look for talent to fill key roles during the pandemic. They are being selective on the roles but they are taking that step forward during these uncertain times. Remember, good people attract good people!

My Favorite Client Story of Relevance to the Topic of Talent

At the bottom of the Great Recession, the CEO of an outdoor lighting manufacturer had no need for additional employees. In fact, the CEO was experiencing the same issues as everyone else. His competitors cut salaries and let people go. Instead of following the herd, he went in the opposite direction. He hired one of the engineers cut by a competitor even though he had no immediate work for the engineer. In another situation, a job seeker stopped by the facility. The CEO was so impressed with this candidate’s go-getter attitude that he hired him on the spot and figured he would find a good spot for him. Fast-forward several years, and he was #1 in his industry and getting ready to introduce a new product lineup to a secondary industry (designed by the engineer) and ready to make a significant shift from engineer-to-order towards configure-to-order with an ERP upgrade that would prepare him for success for many years to come. None of this would have been possible without valuing people.

Read our eBook, Future-Proofing Manufacturing & Supply Chain Post COVID-19 to hear about additional strategies to lead, keep your teams moving forward, and engage your people in the future. Please send your feedback, stories and ideas. We believe manufacturers have a unique opportunity for growth and success if they innovate and focus on the opportunities during COVID-19. To achieve this potential, you have to start with your people.