Across the country, companies are beginning to reopen after being fully closed or operating at more limited capacity during the 2020 global pandemic. Of course, it will not be business as usual. Organizations across all industries have been hit extremely hard during this time, with employees having been laid off, furloughed, or asked to work limited hours. Now, these companies are in a state of recovery – and will be for quite a while. So, the question becomes: how can you come back stronger than before?
Like anything, the whole is only as strong as its parts. However difficult the past few months have been, COVID-19 has created an interesting opportunity when it comes to its employee base. Businesses are now able to evaluate their workforce and focus on top-grading their talent to best meet their needs. This applies to both new talent that you will want to bring on, as well as your existing staff.
Reevaluate your employees’ roles and responsibilities
For your top talent – your A players – are they contributing as much as they possibly could be? Can you revise their job descriptions so that they are able to take on increased responsibility or work toward a more strategic vision for your company? How about your B and C players? Are there positions that they would be better suited for, which could more effectively leverage their unique background and skillsets? Are they being given the opportunities to grow into higher performers? Are there employees who, while proficient, negatively contribute to your company culture and should be let go?
Strategically bring in new players
When looking to top-grade your talent, you should be looking to bring back (or in) individuals who are going to enhance company morale and help other employees perform at their best. Remember that, at the end of the day, technical skills can be taught, but things like a positive attitude and ability to learn are much more important. Consider your company’s current needs, as well as where you want to be in the future – what individuals can help you get there?
Top-grading talent means recognizing opportunity
There is no such thing as a unicorn. If you hold out for an individual that is perfect in every single way for a particular position, you are never going to fill it. The future largely remains uncertain, and reopening your business is going to be undoubtedly difficult. That said, you have the opportunity to set your company up for success so that you can come back stronger than you were at the beginning of the year.
Photo by Marc Kleen on Unsplash
