Another Decade Looms

Roslyn McLeod asks where the last eight years have gone.

 

Story by Ros McLeod

There is one year left to put our stamp on this decade then we start all over again. So what are our final goals to take the decade out on a high?

The year will move fast so we have to put on our skates and maybe prepare for a bumpy ride - moguls ahead but the thrill will be worth it. We could wallow in the current tide of doom and gloom but why should we? We have such an amazing opportunity ahead of us. When things get tough, industries, companies, organisations and all those in it want to meet. They want to discuss what lies ahead, how to fix the malaise, where the next client or project is coming from, who is getting it right and how, and where progress is being made. Exchange information, seek new recruits or be recruited, learn what to do next and get inspired, motivated or driven to the next milestone... meetings are fertile ground in times of turmoil.

This last eight years has seen a tremendous shift in world economies and it has also seen an accelerated shift in the make up of Australians - our Asian population is growing, young Brits and Europeans have been populating the workforce on their work visas or joining our ranks to fulfil the practical experience demanded by their tertiary courses. Good times are all they have known. But the news coming back from the northern hemisphere from recent European trade show participation brings stories of tough times already happening to many of our international colleagues and clients.

At this time it is important to ensure positive management to motivate our staff not to be scared for their future or that of their companies. How are we dealing with these external problems internally? How do we act prudently and tighten our belts in a tough year yet still ensure staff loyalty, confidence and motivation?

The last eight years for me have been exhilarating, not the least because I have been blessed with a wonderful team of staff and a process of systems and technology that makes coming to work everyday a pleasure to manage the things we have got right. However, it takes a long time to get it right and this has revealed the need to focus not only on the current generation of good staff but just as importantly the recruitment and training of the next wave coming through the workforce.

This year business goals should include laying the groundwork for staff development for the good years that will come in the next decade. More than ever this long term planning is needed.

Roslyn McLeod is the founder and managing director of Tour Hosts, a Sydney-based conference and event management company.