It’s here – 2010. Congratulations to all of our leaders and readers!  You survived the Great Recession ~ one of the most significantly difficult years since post World War II (according to economists).  We – all of us together (around the globe) – faced a number of tough challenges and made some very difficult decisions in 2009.  The New Year is already filled with plenty to keep us occupied and awake at night: government health care initiatives, potential increases in taxes and budget cuts, and unemployment just for starters.

Despite the issues there is plenty infusers can stay focused on in order to create and lead sustainable competitive advantage in the next frontier of exponential growth by connecting employees and customers to what matters most as we seek to not only understand but adapt to the inevitable forces of change.

 Shift Happens

Globalization, innovative technologies, demographics, economic and societal shifts, mergers and acquisitions are changing the way people work, where they work and will be managed in the future. Work will involve greater project orientation, networks of independent contractors (many who will legally work outside their country), customized career tracks, virtual collaboration, and talent sharing. Growing trends of co-working centers, community business centers and work-from-home practices are on the rise, according to Telework Trendlines 2009 report by WorldatWork. It may not be long before we see more managerial talent join an organization for a one-year or two-year contract and then move forward as highlighted in HR Magazine.

Even with the economic slowdown’s impact on the middle-aged and a number of boomers delaying retirement, economists continue to predict talent gaps for certain jobs. As markets continue to open and expand across borders, competition will increase for talent.  School systems in countries like Europe as well as the United States have not produced the necessary graduates in science, technology, engineering and math.

However, at the core of these transitions is a continual and ever underlying need to improve overall talent capabilities, people connectivity, team relations, and agility.

Business is Human

There are both soft and hard bottom-line results to achieving success in the future workplace. Building a cohesive team where learning and talent thrives and can in turn develop talent of others will be hallmarks of 21^st Century Leaders and high-performing cultures.

As we embrace the journey before us, let’s remind ourselves of the valuable learning experiences gained during the Great Recession and through the collective power of other infusers, all the learning that remains to be discovered. 

Fast Forward

Fast forward one year from today and let’s really ask ourselves, “given the pace of change in our workplaces, homes, and communities, what will be different for us personally and professionally next year at this time? What will it look like? Sound like? Smell like? If we keep doing what we’ve always done, will we not get more of the same? What implications will there be if I don’t make changes necessary to step-up, step-forward, learn, grow and share?”

In the spirit of respectful candor, can we really expect to substantially improve our economy, workplace, family life, career opportunities, our boss or health without moving from the comfortable and familiar? 

“Then why are you trying to buy milk from a hardware store”, asks Keith Ferrazzi in his book, Who’s Got Your Back.

Isn’t it time to stand up from behind ourselves and do our part of the hard work? Isn’t it time to stop waiting for someone else to fix it, do it, or make us happy etc.

Seeds of Greatness

    For many individuals and leaders, a dream was planted awhile ago and through downsizing, right-sizing and left-sizing, that dream may have been buried.  It’s that something on the inside that doesn’t seem to go away.  To find true greatness within ourselves and in others, we need to be ready, willing and able to make the necessary changes to move forward.  Are we willing to be the best we can be right where we are?  Are we willing to assess core assumptions, weigh the options, assess the implications and make the necessary trade-offs?  Are we willing to take the calculated risks, the steps of faith necessary to achieve progress for our teams, family and communities? 

Regardless of the impending governmental outcomes and changes that are ahead, each one of us will continue to have an important role to play in our workplaces, our families and communities. Educating, leading, collaborating, innovating, listening and committing to a daily regimen of confronting the “R” (Reality). 

When each one of us strives to give our best to others through respectful candor, engaging in disruptive (productive) conversations, setting realistic expectations, extending empathy, generosity and flexibility we will truly realize some outstanding results!

Infusing Others

Over the holidays, I was introduced to an inspiring young leader, named Bryan A. Collins*; the dynamic individual and son of Alan Collins, CEO and former HR Executive of Pepsi. Bryan was a rising-star and highly-respected leader at Tennessee State University, where he was enrolled in the Master’s program in physical therapy, served as a leader in the Kappa Alpha PSI fraternity, the Civic Committee, the Community Services Committee and involved in the Student Union Board of Governors until an untimely car accident claimed his precious life on January 8^th.  According to Alan, scores of people came to celebrate Bryan’s life sharing stories of how he brought joy and inspiration into their lives. Infusing acts like:

• extending a kind word at the right time
• listening when no else would
• giving encouragement
• offering a simple smile
• going out of his way to do a special favor
• sharing an open mind
• giving the gift of time, when he could of chosen not to
• helping others
• giving tough love when nobody else would
• simply being a friend during a time of need

Although, Bryan’s earthly life was short, he made the most of his time. His example, values and respect for others, lives on forever. Bryan made his choice to infuse his best stuff for others each day.

At some point a 21^st Century Infuser says, “I’m going to step out, and I’m going to follow my heart and follow this dream.” Doing something you’re really gifted at, you really love and enjoy doing each day. Something that culminates your valuable experiences and life lessons for the benefit of others.

Never under estimate the power of your infusion 

Let 2010 be the year where we can honestly say at this same time next year that we’ve moved our seeds of greatness forward and infused the best stuff in others for a better tomorrow!

Our workplaces, our families and communities are counting on us!

Thank you for sharing your time with us today. 

We look forward to continuing our connection and hope you find the resources of value as together we co-create the 21^st Century Workplace.

 *For more information on Bryan A. Collins and the scholarship program, please visit www.BryanCollinsScholarship.org or read Unwritten HR Rules by Alan Collins.

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Photo credit:  IStockphoto

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Judy White, President, The Infusion Group, LLC, partnering with individuals, leaders and organizations by infusing the 20^th Century workplace and the 21^st Century workforce through great people practice consulting and professional coaching services.  Visit www.theinfusiongroupllc.com