Recession and High Performers

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During a volatile job market, high performers are still in high demand.

According to Marshall Goldsmith’s post on the Harvard Business Review blog, How to Keep Good Employees in a Bad Economy, these high performers are “the indispensible workers who are willing to do what it takes to help the company succeed even in the most difficult of times. Those who pick up the slack when the organization is forced to cut back; those whose ideas save time, money, and effort; those with a positive outlook who help keep the organization moving forward.”

Marshall offers some terrific insights into ways you can keep these valuable leaders in your organization, while you weather the storm – and after the storm is over. Once the job market begins to open up, your key talent is going to go elsewhere if you haven’t taken steps to keep them with you.

Check out Marshall’s article for ways to show these high performers you’re committed to their success, even when times are tough.

What are the ways you support your high performers during challenging times?

On managing high performers

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The mistake most managers make in leading high performers is assuming that they don’t need managed and that they don’t want feedback. Although they are very high achievers, most thrive on feedback.

Superstars need care and support, too. Give them your all – they deserve it!

Woman of the Week – Kimberly Ratcliff

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kim ratcliffUnderstanding what makes dynamic female leaders tick is key to successfully recruiting – and retaining – them in your organization.

Each week, we feature a woman from our community to give a peek at the key areas – personal and professional – that motivate and drive these high performing executives. If you know someone who should be featured, contact us!

Kimberly Ratcliff

My Current Job/Company
Director, Communications/Battelle for Kids

My Birthdate
12/20/67

My Work
I provide strategic communications counsel to large urban school districts across the country.

My Passion
My family and friends, including the dog. The great outdoors.

My Family
Ben (husband), Katie (14), Joshua (10)

My Heroes
All of my dogs, present and past

My Escape
Anything outdoors, preferably in the mountains. National Parks at Teton, Glacier, Acadia and Bay of Fundy are favorite places.

My Pet Peeve
People who could care less. And people who don’t think.

My Indulgence
Reese’s Cups. Jeni’s ice cream-Queen City Chocolate. Spicy Indian food.

My Roots
My family is from Southeast Ohio, on the border of Ross and Vinton Counties. This means that I’m used to being around some pretty compelling storytellers.

My Future
Gives me a chance to continue growing up, although I don’t think I’ll ever REALLY be a “grown-up!”

My Love
Being with my dog.

My Movie
Amelie. I love the characters, the part of Paris where it’s set (Montmartre) and the vibrant colors of the costumes and scenery.

My Quote on Life
“Always do what you are afraid to do.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

My Accessory
Earrings, long and dangly

My Advice to Young Women
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Just make sure that you know yourself well, and surround yourself with people who love you and are comfortable questioning you so that you stay grounded along the way.

How I Balance it All
My life is like a game of whack-a-mole. One thing’s in balance, and another thing is popping up. When I was in my 30s, it all felt pretty overwhelming, but I think that my 40s are teaching me to get used to it and just keep pushing forward. Being patient with myself is probably the most difficult lesson I’ve learned, but now that I can do it, I am much happier. It’s okay to make mistakes as long as I can learn a lesson from the missed mark.

Woman of the Week – Denise Robinson

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Understanding what makes dynamic female leaders tick is key to successfully recruiting – and retaining – them in your organization.

Each week, we feature a woman from our community to give a peek at the key areas – personal and professional – that motivate and drive these high performing executives. If you know someone who should be featured, contact us!

Denise M. Robinson

My Current Job/Company:
President and CEO, Alvis House

My Birthdate:
January 5

My Work:
I have the privilege of being responsible for Alvis House, a multi-faceted human services agency based in Columbus. Our services include: A range of residential and community-based reentry services for men, women and youth; Supported living and behavioral support programs to individuals with developmental disabilities; and Treatment programs to help resolve family issues that may arise when a family member becomes involved in the criminal justice system.

My Passion:
First and foremost, my family; then my work – I am very fortunate to work in a business where the bottom line is making people’s lives better.

My Family:
Husband – Milton, Son – Christopher (14)

My Heroes:
My late mother and father, Thelma and Ernest Underwood, whose values I hope I reflect every day. It is because of their example that I have always wanted do work that helps to make the world better.

My Escape:
Travel with my family – preferably on a cruise ship.

My Pet Peeve:
People who don’t behave ethically

My Indulgence:
Salty snacks

My Roots:
A strong faith, strong work ethic and having compassion for others.

My Future:
Exiting, full of possibilities

My Love:
Love of God, Milton and Christopher

My Movie:
Shining Through – I just find it inspirational, how ordinary people can do extraordinary things to overcome evil.

My Quote on Life:
The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

My Accessory:
My shoes

My Advice to Young Women:
To listen more to what others have to say. When I was younger, I was so often certain that I was right and knew all the answers. Now I know that I really had no concept of how big life’s questions really are…

How I Balance it All:
Having a wonderful family, friends and a great team of people to work with makes all the difference. Although I am a hard worker, I don’t believe that doing everything myself serves the best interests of a project or an organization – the best work is accomplished by working with a team of people who are skilled in various areas. Knowing and living that naturally leads to balance.