Firms tend to go down in flames when finances trump people … or when monetary concerns snuff out human potential. Have you noticed?
In fact, financial woes become the first indication that it may be time to reboot the brains where you work. Do you agree? 
Here are 5 instances I’ve spotted where financial woes make people smarter:
1. Gas prices leap off the chart … and people tend to consider the world’s distribution of wealth … so they pony up wiser travel options. They may not buy a smart car … but neither do they dash out to buy gas guzzlers proliferated before gas became gold.
2. Housing takes a nosedive … and suddenly people begin to value their shelters as well as budget for reasonable living conditions they can afford.
3. Health care costs more … and many people tend to eat healthier, exercise more … and educate themselves for robust physical well-being.
4. Employment’s less assured … and that can lead to people craving currency in their field, and finding ways to stay smarter on the job. Less tenure options can lead to more reflective people when it comes to career choices.
5. Leaders hold fewer financial keys … and in response workers assume more financial leadership. Many take charge of personal investments, plan for their future, and chart adventurous paths for doable retirements.
Have financial fiascoes made people smarter where you work? How has the shrinking public purse hit your pocketbook?
Ellen, this is true for some folks... but unfortunately everybody else, instead of growing from the experience, tends to spend time whining about the situation, fruitlessly playing the blame game, or following after someone who promises them pie-in-the-sky relief.
Personally, I choose growth. Those other paths don't really lead anywhere I want to be!
A great and timely post, Ellen!
Posted by: Robert Hruzek | August 6, 2008 6:26 AM | Permalink to Comment