Have a clear strategic plan - and measure your strategic plan execution progress in real time.  Effective companies have strategic plans that all their people know and can easily understand.  They clearly communicate their strategic position and brand promise.  Sadly, many companies don’t have clear strategies, nor do they know how to effectively communicate them to their people (- is it any wonder their customers are confused?).  Their people are given direction without context.  They are told “what” to do but not “why”.  Communicating the “why” is important if you want to fully engage your people.  

Leading companies are now using Business Execution Software to measure and drive execution progress.  Their people “know the score” and are able to track their own implementation progress in real time.  Effective companies make progress visible, and hold people accountable for performance.  Don’t just focus on what hasn’t been done yet.  Take every opportunity to share good news and stories of achievement with your team.

Integrating courage, innovation, and discipline into your communications will help you survive these tough times - and put you at the head of the pack when the business environment improves.